Enhanced fluorescence of curcumin on plasmonic platforms.

We report a significant increase of a curcumin (1,7-bis[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl]-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) fluorescence brightness when deposited on plasmonic platforms (self assembled silver nanostructures formed on the surface of silver semitransparent film). The enhancement of fluorescence intensity is accompanied by a strong decrease in fluorescence lifetime. Simultaneously, the increased photostability of curcumin, a pigment showing strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumorigenic activity, allows long-time detection and monitoring. We believe that the use of plasmonic platforms will improve detection, delivery and imaging of curcumin.