Abstract:
Researchers at Northwestern University have used a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) nanosensor to look at the behaviour of molecules that may be involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. They examined the interaction of amyloid β-derived diffusible ligands with anti-ADDL antibody. The LSPR nanosensor takes advantage of the unusual optical properties of nanoparticles of noble metals such as silver, gold and copper. The conduction electrons in such nanoparticles are able to oscillate collectively in response to specific wavelengths of light.