The BioNanoPlasmonics Laboratory is dedicated to the synthesis, assembly and applications of various types of nanoparticles with specific functionalities, in particular metal nanoparticles with novel (plasmonic) optical properties. By means of colloid chemistry techniques, the group led by Luis Liz-Marzán is able to design several composite, multifunctional nanoparticle colloids, which typically combine optical and magnetic properties within single particles or particle aggregates. One of the current central topics of the group is the development of platforms that can be used for ultrasensitive detection based on SERS. We are interested in the incorporation of such nanostructured substrates within devices for implementation of real detection techniques.