Synthesis and biosensor application of Ag@Au bimetallic nanoparticles based on localized surface plasmon resonance

This work demonstrates a simple method for synthesizing gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag@Au BNPs). Ag@Au BNPs on the carbon thin film are prepared by co-deposition of RF-sputtering and RF-PECVD using acetylene gas and gold-silver target. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that Au and Ag NPs with FCC crystal structure are formed in our samples. From AFM image and data, average particles size of gold and silver are estimated to be about 5 and 8 nm, respectively. XRD profile and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy indicate that Ag NPs in Ag@Au BNPs composite have a more chemical activity with respect to bare Ag NPs. Biosensor application of Ag@Au BNPs without probe immobilization is introduced too. The change in LSPR absorption peak of Ag@Au BNPs in presence of DNA primer decamer (ten-deoxycytosine) at fM concentrations is investigated. The LSPR absorption peak of Au NPs has a blue shift and the LSPR absorption peak of Ag NPs has a red shift by addition of DNA primer and under DNA exposure up to 1 h. Our sample shows a good response to low concentration of DNA and has a short response time. Both of these are prerequisite for applying this sample as LSPR biosensor chip. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.