Functionalized fluorescent silver nanoparticle surfaces for novel sensing and imaging techniques

A deposition technique has been developed to create thin metal surfaces composed of functionalized fluorescent silver nanoparticles on top of glass or plastic substrates. Deposition is controlled through excitation of nanoparticles via a confocal microscope, allowing for rapid surface formation, high resolution patterning and convenient imaging. The functionalization of these nanoparticles can be tailored to a desired application. Initial investigations have demonstrated that surfaces can be designed to mimic the glucan and mannan layers of a fungal cell wall, which in turn can be used to stimulate and study responses from human immune cells.