Double nanohole optical trapping: dynamics and protein-antibody co-trapping

Abstract

A double nanohole in a metal film can optically trap nanoparticles such as polystyrene/silica spheres, encapsulated quantum dots and up-converting nanoparticles. Here we study the dynamics of trapped particles, showing a skewed distribution and low roll-off frequency that are indicative of Kramers-hopping at the nanoscale. Numerical simulations of trapped particles show a double-well potential normally found in Kramers-hopping systems, as well as providing quantitative agreement with the overall trapping potential. In addition, we demonstrate co-trapping of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with anti-BSA by sequential delivery in a microfluidic channel. This co-trapping opens up exciting possibilities for the study of protein interactions at the single particle level.