Use of the silicon crystals photoluminescence to control immunocomplex formation

The fluorescence of porous silicon obtained by a special procedure using chemical and laser beam treatment of silicon crystal was investigated in water, buffer and a solution containing sodium chloride. It was demonstrated that the intensity of the fluorescence did not practically change under the above mentioned conditions as well as after antigen or antibody immobilization on the porous silicon surface. But this parameter of the fluorescence dramatically decreased in the case of specific immune complex formation on the silicon surface. The level of fluorescence extinguishing depended on the duration and intensity of the immune reaction. It is proposed to use this effect for creation of immunosensors based on direct registration of immune complex formation.