Biomechanical sensor based on gold plasmonic nanorods for mechanotransduction investigation

We discuss the possibility of implementing a novel biosensing platform based on surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) for investigating mechanotransduction and force generation by mechanosensory cells and organs. In particular, we present a study about the generation and analysis of optical resonances caused by gold nanorods (GNRs) adsorbed on films, separated by a polyelectrolyte (PE) thin layer assembled using a Layer-by-Layer (LbL) deposition technique. These devices with different PE layer/GNRs coupling were characterized and tested in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) in order to be able to control in a dynamic way the PE layer thickness swelling. Moreover, controlling the wettability of the surface, in particular after the deposition of GNRs, allows adjusting the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the surface, considering that the wetting property and wetting process are closely related to the surface morphology and roughness. We performed a deep study to confirm that this sensor, exploiting SPR, can be dynamic and compatible with biological environments.