Review of optical sensing and manipulation of chiral molecules and nanostructures with the focus on plasmonic enhancements [Invited]

Abstract

Chiral molecules are ubiquitous in nature; many important synthetic chemicals and drugs are chiral. Detecting chiral molecules and separating the enantiomers is difficult because their physiochemical properties can be very similar. Here we review the optical approaches that are emerging for detecting and manipulating chiral molecules and chiral nanostructures. Our review focuses on the methods that have used plasmonics to enhance the chiroptical response. We also review the fabrication and assembly of (dynamic) chiral plasmonic nanosystems in this context.

Nanophotonic Chiral Sensing: How Does It Actually Work?

“…Different resonator designs have been investigated, ranging from plasmonic antennas − ,, to dielectric nanostructures ,,,, or combinations to so-called “helicity-preserving” cavities. ,− Another promising route is using structures that exhibit resonances in the ultraviolet region, − where natural molecules have particularly large κ values. Comprehensive overviews can be found in corresponding review articles. − …”

Chirality at nanoscale for bioscience

“…By exploiting the high specicity and selectivity of aptamers, more-dynamic plasmonic probes for various molecular targets can be constructed with DNA origami. 27,[32][33][34][35] Fig. 3 (A So templates other than DNA molecules, such as peptides, have also been used in the assembly of helically arranged gold NPs or nanowires (Fig.…”

Nanophotonic Chiral Sensing: How Does it Actually Work?

“…Another promising route is using structures that exhibit resonances in the ultraviolet region [31][32][33] , where natural molecules have particularly large κ values. Comprehensive overviews can be found in corresponding review articles [59][60][61][62][63][64] .…”