Abstract
In this study, complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) metamaterial structures are proposed for label-free dielectric spectroscopy of liquids in microplates. This novel combination of an array of sensors and microplates is readily scalable and thus offers a great potential for non-invasive, rapid, and label-free dielectric spectroscopy of liquids in large microplate arrays. The proposed array of sensors on a printed circuit board consists of a microstrip line coupled to four CSRRs in cascade with resonant frequencies ranging from 7 to 10 GHz, spaced around 1 GHz. The microwells were manufactured and bonded to the CSRR using polydimethylsiloxane, whose resonant frequency is dependent on a complex relative permittivity of the liquid loaded in the microwell. The individual microstrip lines with CSRRs were interconnected to the measurement equipment using two electronically controllable microwave switches, which enables microwave measurements of the 4 × 4 CSRR array using only a two-port measurement system. The 4 × 4 microwell sensor arrays were calibrated and evaluated using water-ethanol mixtures with different ethanol concentrations. The proposed measurement setup offers comparable results to ones obtained using a dielectric probe, confirming the potential of the planar sensor array for large-scale microplate experiments.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
Microplates are nowadays used in many scientific areas as they enable time-efficient methods for simultaneously observing different chemical and biological events
The complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) were designed on a Rogers RO4350b printed circuit board (PCB) with a dielectric constant of 3.66, the thickness of 0.508 mm with 18 μm thick copper cladding, and gold coating of 5.1 μm
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Microplates are nowadays used in many scientific areas as they enable time-efficient methods for simultaneously observing different chemical and biological events. A high number of small-volume wells, microwells, allows us to observe events in a small area without compromising high-throughput screening. Microplates are used in cell analysis [1,2,3], bacterial analysis [4], protein screening [5], enzyme screening [6], etc. Even though using microplate speeds up the processes by a great margin, it still takes time and expensive equipment to accurately monitor and quantify these events
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
