Gold nanorods functionalized with self-assemb led glycopolymers for ultrasensitive detection of proteins

New, stable, and glyoco-derivatized gold nanorods (GNRs) were prepared using developed amphiphilic block glycopolymers poly[(lactose)_m-b-(pyridine)_n] to engineer self-organized, densely packed g lycopolymeric recognition layers and generate a multivalent binding cav ity onto the gold surface. We report a rapid and u ltrasensitive biosensing for the weak affinity of protein-carbohydrate binding employing a combination of the longitudinal SPR of GNRs and the cluster glycoside effect. Thus, a very small amount of lectin (100 pgmL^-1 = 8.3 × 10^-13 M) was detected by the aggregation of GNRs.