Plasmon resonant particles for biological detection.

Several recent advances in the optical observation, fabrication, and bioconjugation of nanometer-sized gold or silver colloids have produced a robust new class of label. These plasmon resonant particle (PRP) conjugates have several important advantages: they are ultra-bright, so the light scattered from the individual particles can be viewed using a simple optical microscope system with a white light illumination source; they do not photo-bleach; PRPs can be prepared that preferentially scatter light of a chosen color; and it is possible to prepare bioconjugated PRPs that are stable in solution. These properties, and the automation of PRP identification, discrimination, and counting, have enabled the development of ultrasensitive, multicolor, and multiplex applications in the life science field.