Enhanced detection of virus particles by nanoisland-based localized surface plasmon resonance

► We present improved surface plasmon resonance detection on annealed nanoislands. ► We have analyzed the detection both theoretically and experimentally. ► Experimental measurements were performed with non-specific detection of adenovirus. ► The enhancement was by more than one order of magnitude in the limit of detection. ► The results provide a practical approach of ultra-sensitive SPR biosensing.