Water-soluble ZnO-Au nanocomposite-based probe for enhanced protein detection in a SPR biosensor system

► Water-soluble ZnO-Au nanocomposites were synthesized. ► A protein probe based on ZnO-Au nanocomposites was constructed. ► The protein probe was used to modify the SPR biosensor. ► The protein probe could enhance the sensitivity of the SPR biosensor.