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M. Olejnik, M. Twardowska, G. Lin, S. Mackowski*
*Optics of Hybrid Nanostructures Group, Institute of Physics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5/7, 87-100 Torun, Poland The ability to bridge nanostructures characterized with different functionalities has opened new possibilities to investigate and control interactions at the nanoscale [1-4]. Chemically synthesized metallic nanoparticles [2,3] through changes in their size, shape and local environment provide a way to affect the optical properties of emitters placed in their vicinity through plasmon coupling. By applying proper reaction conditions the plasmon resonance can be shifted from visible to the infra-red spectral region, thus we can match selected absorption bands of light-harvesting complexes. In this work we describe several strategies of surface functionalization of nanoparticles aimed at conjugating them with either light-harvesting complexes, or - as a test - with organic dyes. The efficiency of functionalization and conjugation procedures was determined directly by investigating plasmon-induced fluorescence quenching/enhancement due to the interaction between emitters and metallic nanoparticles. The results provide an attractive means to fabricate functional artificial photosynthetic systems based on natural light-harvesting complexes. Financial support from the WELCOME program "Hybrid nanostructures as a stepping-stone towards efficient artificial photosynthesis" awarded by the Foundation for Polish Science Research and the EUROCORES project "BOLDCATS" funded by the European Science Foundation is gratefully acknowledged. [1] S. Mackowski, et al., Nano Lett. 8, 558 (2008) [2] N.R. Jana, et al., Chem. Commun., 7, 617 (2001) [3] Y. Xia et al., J. Mater. Chem., , 18, 437 (2008) [4] S. Mackowski, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter, 22, 193102 (2010) |
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