Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF) biosensing for real-time and continuous monitoring

Programme

ERASMUS+

Project lead

Danube Private University (DPU, AT); Naoto Asai, PhD

Project Partners

Charles University (CZ)

Researchers involved at DPU 

• Assoc. Prof. Jakub Dostalek, PhD
• Gizem Aktuğ

Abstract

The project focuses on the development of a distance-modulated fluorescence sensing architecture, where reversible binding events dynamically alter the fluorophore–metal separation, enabling sensitive, real-time signal transduction. The training integrates antifouling surface chemistry, controllable surface density of recognition elements, and flexible polymeric linkers (FPLs) to establish a generalizable biosensing platform applicable to therapeutic monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics. 

Scientific Concept: The sensing strategy is based on plasmon-enhanced fluorescence modulation, where fluorescence intensity depends critically on the nanoscale distance between a fluorophore and a metallic surface.  By tethering recognition elements through DNA- or polymer-based flexible linkers, binding-induced conformational changes reversibly switch the fluorophore between quenched and enhanced regimes. By carefully tuning the surface density and spatial organization of ligands, the platform enables fast binding and unbinding kinetics, making it suitable for continuous monitoring applications. 

The approach is further extended from nucleic-acid-based recognition systems to FPL-based immunoassays, demonstrating the versatility of the sensing architecture for clinically relevant biomarker detection.