Formation of Nanosized Needle Structures in Ultra-Thin Organic Film for Biosensor Application

Biosensors are a promising field driven by research and industry needs. Large number of applications require highly selective and sensitive fast acting biosensors. We target water quality monitoring, cancer research and drug discovery applications. In the biosensor development crucial is the active bioreceptor layer which interacts with the analyte. Here we propose ultra-thin organic films prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett method from a fluorescently labelled phospholipid. The average thickness of the layer is 3 nm suggesting fast reaction times. From this layer protrude stable over time around 10 nm high spikes with diameters typically from 50 to 300 nm. Thus a well-developed 3D structure is achieved which should yield increased sensor sensitivity for advanced chemical sensor applications.