Computational Modeling for Intelligent Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Design and Experimental Schemes for Real-Time Plasmonic Biosensing: A Review

The spectacular physical phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is the essence of present-day plasmonic sensors. Meanwhile, the unique properties of the interaction between light and matter have been carved out into the development of modern-day diagnostic biosensors. Plasmons, in simple terms, are oscillating free electrons in metallic nano-structures triggered by an incoming electromagnetic (EM) wave. With the advantages of real-time and label-free bio-sensing, plasmonic sensors are being utilized in multiple diverse areas of food technology, the bio-medical diagnostic sector, and even the chemical industry. Although this review will be brief, readers can gain a comprehensive picture of the essential elements by taking a broader look into the exploration of SPR sensor design via simulated studies and representative experimental plasmonic schemes developed for bio-sensing. In short, the various SPR sensing schemes that researchers have explored to realize enhanced SPR sensitivity are reviewed and summarized. Different experimental plasmonic sensors are also examined in which new SPR excitation schemes have been adopted. These "unconventional" designs, specifically those involving hybrid localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-SPR excitation, may inspire those in the plasmonic field.