Abstract
Although fluorescence spectroscopy has been shown to be an effective tool for the biomedical field, however, the applications are limited due to the inadequate quantum yield, samples auto-fluorescence, and the shortage of photo stability during the measurement process. Metal enhanced fluorescence technology is an emerging science that could compensate these limits. This review addresses the ways in which the metal enhanced fluorescence technology improves the applications of traditional fluorescence spectroscopy for biomedicine. Except for the commonly used gold and silver nanostructures, other metals such as aluminum, platinum and copper nanostructures are discussed. Intrinsic emission of biomolecules through metallic plasmonic technology are also mentioned. Metal enhanced fluorescence assisted singlet oxygen production that increases the efficiency of photodynamic therapy for cancer, skin disorder and antibacterial activity are reviewed. Finally, to emphasize the contributions of Taiwan’s researchers, we addressed some important works of fluorescence spectroscopy and metal enhanced fluorescence technology in Taiwan.
Keywords: Biomedical applications, fluorescence spectroscopy, gold nano-rods, metal enhanced fluorescence, photodynamic therapy.
Graphical Abstract