Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2016) 131: 221
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2016-16221-5

Review

Neuroplasmonics: From Kretschmann configuration to plasmonic crystals

Magneto-plasmonic Lab, Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411, Tehran, Iran

^* e-mail: m_hamidi@sbu.ac.ir

Received: 27 September 2015
Revised: 10 April 2016
Accepted: 24 May 2016
Published online: 1 July 2016

Abstract

Recently, a worldwide attempt for understanding the functions of brain and nervous system has been made. Hence, various aspects of neuroscience have been investigated through different techniques. Among these techniques, neuroplasmonics as a newborn branch of this science tries to seize the realm of in vitro and in vivo neural imaging, recording and healing. Neuroplasmonics offers advantages comprising rapidity, high sensitivity, biological compatibility, label-free and real-time detection by benefiting from the sensing and thermal characteristics of surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). This paper reviews four main branches of neuroplasmonics comprising prism coupler configurations, the combination of SPR and fluorescence microscopy and methods based on nanorods and plasmonic crystals. For each division, the advantages, disadvantages and the provided facilities will be discussed in detail.