Ag nanocluster-silica composite films have been obtained by Radio-Frequency (RF) co-sputtering on soda-lime substrates: their characteristic Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) can be employed for sensing applications after grafting of a specific molecule (folic acid) for the recognition of cancer cells. Preliminary results on the surface functionalization of Ag nanocluster-silica composite films by folic acid and the ability of functionalized layers to selectively recognize the proper antibody will be discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.