Silver Nanostructures for Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy: Reduced Volumes and Increased Signal Intensities.

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a widely used technique to investigate the interactions and dynamics of molecules, below micromolar concentrations. Silver nanostructure (AgNS) substrates can extend the applicability of FCS to higher concentrations, which is useful for many biologically relevant reactions. Additionally, these substrates can improve detection efficiency by increasing fluorescence signal intensities. The ease of preparation of the AgNS substrates in comparison to previously investigated materials prepared by top-down nanofabrication is expected to make them readily available and suitable for various FCS applications.