Metal-enhanced fluorescent biomarkers for cardiac risk assessment.

In this presentation we describe a novel methodology for ultra-sensitive fluorescence immunoassays based on a new class of fluorescent biomarkers, which are strongly enhanced by nano-size metallic particles. Specifically, we discuss development of the immunoassay on the surfaces coated with metallic particles for high sensitivity detection of cardiac markers. This technology will allow detection of the biomarkers in serum and blood without separation and amplification steps. We present an experimental platform that uses front-face excitation in total internal reflection mode for efficient rejection of background fluorescence.