The applicability, versatility, and even certain properties of nanoparticles are enhanced through either their self-assembly or deposition on platforms (glass, beads, cellulose paper, hydrogels, polymer films, etc.). Following different approaches based on layer-by-layer deposition, solvent evaporation, hydrophobic or capillary forces, among others, we have fabricated a wide variety of nanostructured materials for multiple applications.
We are especially interested in the self-assembly of nanoparticles since the spontaneous organization of nanoparticles results in highly ordered nanostructures with unique physical and chemical properties. Using microfluidics, we have investigated the formation of plasmonic superlattices via self-assembly. It has made possible to design and develop highly efficient plasmonic platforms with arbitrary shape and dimensions for sensing.
