| This dissertation describes the development of label-free methods for biomolecular detection based on surface plasmon resonance and optical diffraction. The ability of topographically modulated metal gratings to excite surface plasmons under direct illumination conditions is exploited in this research. Sensing surfaces are constructed by molecular self-assembly and well-established selective amine-coupling methods. The sensing surfaces are manipulated by the inclusion of specific functional groups, which modify the chemical characteristics of the surface. Microarray sensor chips are created using contact and non-contact printing methods, which allow parallel sensing for high throughput detection. The proof-of-concept sensors have been used for immunosensing applications and for the detection of submonolayer thicknesses of protein films. These efforts primarily relate to the development of techniques for fabrication of sensitive yet flexible biosensors that have a variety of applications in drug discovery, proteomics as well as biological and chemical detection. |
