Detection of DNA hybridization using graphene-coated black phosphorus surface plasmon resonance sensor

Abstract

In this paper, graphene-coated black phosphorus at the metal surface for the detection of DNA hybridization event is numerically demonstrated. The strategy consists of placing the sensing medium on top of black phosphorus–graphene-coated SPR which interfaces with phosphate-buffered saline solution carrying single-stranded DNA. Upon hybridization with its complementary DNA, desorption of the nanostructures takes place and thus enables the sensitive detection of the DNA hybridization event. The proposed sensor exhibits a sensitivity (125 ο/RIU), detection accuracy (0.95) and quality factor (13.62 RIU−1) for complementary DNA. In comparison with other reported papers, our suggested sensor provides much better performance. Thus, this label-free DNA detection platform should spur off new interest towards the use of black phosphorus–graphene-coated SPR interfaces.