Simultaneous SPR and electrochemical sensing of an alkane-thiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM): toward an optical biosensor

We present simultaneous electrochemical and waveguide surface plasmon resonance measurements demonstrating the electrochemically controlled desorption of a thiol monolayer from a gold electrode. Self-assembled thiol layers are used in biosensors to enable the attachment of lipids to the sensor. This work demonstrates the potential for development of the device for biological sensing applications. Simultaneous SPR electrochemical measurements are made during the thiol desorption and these results are discussed and compared to the results of a numerical simulation.