Photonic Biosensor Research Articles

Calix[6]arene-Functionalized Photonic Hydrogel Biosensor for Naked-Eye Cholesterol Detection Based on Supramolecular Host-Guest Interactions.

Cholesterol (CHO) is an essential constituent of human cellular tissues and a crucial activity indicator for the clinical diagnosis and prevention of various diseases. Abnormal CHO levels can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, cerebral thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Thus, developing simple and effective methods for CHO detection is of great significance. Herein, a novel calix[6]arene-modified photonic hydrogel biosensor (PAAH@SCX6) was developed for naked-eye monitoring of CHO based on supramolecular host-guest interactions between 4-sulfocalix[6]arene (SCX6) and CHO molecules. This sensor was constructed by embedding Fe3O4 colloidal nanocrystal cluster chains into a poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) smart hydrogel (PAAH), followed by incorporation of plentiful SCX6 units into the PAAH via hydrogen bonding interactions. The specific recognition of SCX6 to CHO leads to the volume expansion of the hydrogel, causing a shift in the photonic band gap and a change in the hydrogel's structural color. The sensor demonstrated a linear detection range of 2.83-5.20 mM, covering the typical CHO levels in the human body. Importantly, the PAAH@SCX6 biosensor showed high selectivity and satisfactory stability, making it highly suitable for practical applications. Such a photonic hydrogel-based biosensor provides a convenient, simple, and efficient strategy for visual CHO detection.

A highly sensitive photonic crystal fibre biosensor for early malaria detection via RBC variation monitoring

Abstract Every year, more than one million individuals die from malaria, an infection spread by mosquitoes infected by haemoparasites with only one cell of the Plasmodium class. In this work, a photonic crystal fibre (PCF)-based refractive index (RI) biosensor for the early detection of malaria in individuals, using red blood cell (RBC) variation monitoring, is presented. The proposed PCF includes three layers of hexagonal lattices of elliptical air holes and also contains a small vertical elliptical channel in which the RBC samples are placed. Because of the RI difference between samples from both healthy and malaria-infected human RBCs, the peak wavelength of infected RBC samples differs from that of normal RBC samples. From calculation, the achieved wavelength sensitivities of the biosensor are 3571.42 nm/RIU, 3157.89 nm/RIU, and 3103.44 nm/RIU in the x-polarized direction and 2857.14 nm/RIU, 2631.57 nm/RIU, and 2758.6 nm/RIU in the y-polarized direction in different phases—ring, trophozoite, and schizont respectively—with a highest possible detection limit of 0.029. Because of the small detection limit and high sensitivity, the proposed PCF biosensor has enhanced sensing abilities that make it suitable for primary diagnosis of malaria. With its high sensitivity and low detection limit, this PCF biosensor has improved sensing capabilities that make it appropriate for malaria diagnosis at the outset.

Design of 2D photonic crystal biosensor to detect cancer cells

Design of 2D photonic crystal biosensor to detect cancer cells

Banana DNA derivatives as homeotropic alignment layers in optical devices.

In this study, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from bananas was extracted and functionalized and used for the first time as a homeotropic alignment layer for liquid crystals (LCs). Our research was aimed at extracting and investigating DNA from bananas via the synthesis and study of DNA complexes with various surfactants to examine the usefulness of such a complex as an alignment layer in electro-optical transducers. We proposed a simple and eco-friendly synthesis of the DNA complexes isolated from bananas with surfactants, so we transformed the DNA isolated from bananas into a functionalized alignment layer. A biopolymer alignment layer like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a banana complexed with a cationic surfactant is an excellent alternative to a commonly used but toxic polyimide alignment layer. DNA-based materials are promising for photonic applications and biosensors because of their excellent optical and physical properties, biodegradability, and low production cost. The novelty of the research lies in the potential use of these materials as biodegradable biopolymer alignment layers for optical devices instead of conventional polymers, which are usually harmful for the environment.

Photonic and electrochemical biosensors for near-patient tests – a critical comparison

Photonic and electrochemical biosensors for near-patient tests – a critical comparison

Early diagnosis of Chikungunya virus utilizing square core photonic crystal fiber (SC-PCF) with extremely high relative sensitivity

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) poses a significant public health threat due to its capacity to cause widespread and debilitating outbreaks. The virus is responsible for CHIKV fever, a disease characterized by severe joint pain, sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. The virus has been reported in various regions globally, with outbreaks occurring in parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Indian subcontinent. Consequently, the scientific community expends substantial efforts in developing dependable, rapid, highly sensitive, and cost-effective techniques in order to identify the CHIKV virus. In this study, an innovative biomedical sensor using photonic crystal fiber technology enables precise detection of the CHIKV virus through uric acid, normal and infected plasma, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood. The introduced sensor identifies those kinds with extremely increased relative sensitivity and minimal losses in contrast to alternative photonic crystal fiber-based biosensors. The introduced sensor showcases a minimal confinement loss of 2.25 × 10− 13 cm− 1, a relative sensitivity of 99.37%, an effective area of 1.36 × 105 µm2, with a minimal effective material loss of 0.001966 cm–1, a numerical aperture of 0.1874, and low dispersion of 0.06. Also, the demonstrated sensor is able to function within the terahertz spectrum, covering a substantial span from 0.8 to 2.6 THz. Furthermore, an extensive comparison analysis is performed between the showcased sensor and related literature on photonic crystal fibers to verify the reliability and effectiveness of the introduced structure.

Ultra-sensitive Two-dimensional Photonic Crystal Biosensor for Oral Cancerous Cell Detection

Background & Objectives: Over the past two decades, biophotonic sensors based on two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals (PhCs) have garnered significant attention in cancer diagnosis. This technology has become a crucial tool in early cancer detection and treatment response monitoring due to its ability to detect minute changes in biomarker concentrations and molecular interactions. The development of these sensors through advanced nano and microfabrication techniques has significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and speed, promising substantial enhancements in therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. Materials & Methods: A biosensor based on a 2D PhC was designed and simulated for the detection of oral cancer cells in a sample. The biosensor, structured with silicon rods in air using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain tool, utilizes five rods as an analyte for detecting normal and cancerous cells, thereby evaluating the sensor’s performance. Results: The variation in the transmission spectrum was studied to detect the presence of malignant cells in the test sample. The sensor’s structural parameters were carefully adjusted to enhance its sensitivity, a crucial factor in the accurate detection of cancerous cells. Two critical parameters, Q-factor and sensitivity, were derived from the results. The sensor achieved a sensitivity of 1148 nm/RIU with a Q-factor of 193. Conclusion: The designed biosensor demonstrates superior accuracy and sensitivity in identifying both malignant and normal cells in the test sample, making it suitable for real- time deployment in point-of-care applications.

Floral-core terahertz photonic crystal fiber bio-sensor: An exclusive approach to recognizing milk from various animal species

In this article, an advanced-level type of Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) sensor, having a flower shape core with a unique hexagonal cladding, is proposed. Performance for detecting is evaluated in various animal's milk, such as camel, cow, and buffalo milk, with the suggested PCF sensor. The maximum Relative Sensitivities (RS) of the PCF sensor are 88.2 %, 88.5 %, and 88.8 % for detecting camel milk, cow milk, and buffalo milk, respectively. Moreover, it has a negligible Confinement Loss (CL) of 2.04018402 × 10−14 dB/m and Total Loss (TL) of 2.1520000 × 10−01 dB/m and Effective Material Loss (EML) of 0.21520 cm−1. Since Milk is as great source of nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Protein. The nutrient composition of different animals' milks and their respective quantities are determined by set values at the beginning and differ among the types of milk. As all of them hold the same tone, it becomes challenging to identify them. Our suggested PCF sensor comes with its remarkable detection capacity to identify them. Therefore, the use of suggested PCF sensor will be helpful for both the industry and consumers. For the industry, it aids in ensuring the quality and composition of animal milk. For consumers, it means they can trust that the milk they purchase has been accurately tested and verified for its nutrient content and safety. With the implementation of the PCF sensor, the industry can better ensure the quality and authenticity of animal milk, reducing the risk of fraud and helping consumers make more informed choices about the milk they consume. This contributes to better assurance of proper nutrient intake.

High sensitivity photonic crystal biosensor design for real time detection of viruses in infected blood sample

High sensitivity photonic crystal biosensor design for real time detection of viruses in infected blood sample

An Integrated Photonic Biosensing Platform for Pathogen Detection in Aquaculture.

Aquaculture is expected to play a vital role in solving the challenge of sustainably providing the growing world population with healthy and nutritious food. Pathogen outbreaks are a major risk for the sector, so early detection and a timely response are crucial. This can be enabled by monitoring the pathogen levels in aquaculture facilities. This paper describes a photonic biosensing platform based on silicon nitride waveguide technology with integrated active components, which could be used for such applications. Compared to the state of the art, the current system presents improvements in terms of miniaturization of the Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) and the development of wafer-level processes for hybrid integration of active components and for material-selective chemical and biological surface modification. Furthermore, scalable processes for integrating the PIC in a microfluidic cartridge were developed, as well as a prototype desktop readout instrument. Three bacterial aquaculture pathogens (Aeromonas salmonicida, Vagococcus salmoninarum, and Yersinia ruckeri) were selected for assay development. DNA biomarkers were identified, corresponding primer-probe sets designed, and qPCR assays developed. The biomarker for Aeromonas was also detected using the hybrid PIC platform. This is the first successful demonstration of biosensing on the hybrid PIC platform.

Photonic crystal fiber-based SPR biosensor coated with Ag-TiO2 and Au-TiO2 for the detection of skin cancer: a comparison

Photonic crystal fiber-based SPR biosensor coated with Ag-TiO2 and Au-TiO2 for the detection of skin cancer: a comparison

Progress and Outlooks in Designing Photonic Biosensor for Virus Detection

AbstractThe recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) highlights the critical need for rapid, sensitive, and accurate virus detection methods to prevent and manage pandemics. Among the available sensing methods, photonic biosensors have emerged as a forefront technology, characterized by their high sensitivity, minimal analyte requirements, and suitability for miniaturization, making them ideal for point‐of‐care applications in virus detection. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress of photonic biosensor technologies, focusing on wavelength shift and luminescence‐based mechanisms. Their operational principles, general configurations, and the challenges associated with these technologies are looked into. An overview of the material developments used in photonic biosensors, encompassing organic, inorganic, and hybrid composite‐based materials is further presented. The discussion extends to surface functionalization using biorecognition elements, including DNA/RNA, aptamers, and antibodies, to craft the specificity of the photonic biosensors for viruses. Ultimately, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized in developing new materials architecture, biological receptors, and modifications to photonic methods, aiming to realize better biosensors for virus detection with ultra‐high sensitivity, rapid response, and excellent selectivity.

Strategies to Realize AC Electrokinetic Enhanced Mass‐Transfer in Silicon Based Photonic Biosensors.

Strategies to Realize AC Electrokinetic Enhanced Mass‐Transfer in Silicon Based Photonic Biosensors.

Design of Terahertz Refractive Index-Based Spiral Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Biosensor Using Enhanced Probabilistic Pyramid Neural Networks for Brain Tumor Detection

Cancer diagnosis is difficult and costly due to the complexity of the brain. Photonic technology-based biosensors show potential for identifying malignant tissues, including brain tumors, but they are often costly, time-consuming, and computationally difficult. To address these challenges, we propose an enhanced probabilistic pyramid neural networks (EPPNN)-based hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor with terahertz refractive index (THzBio-ECPPN) for detection of cancerous brain tumors. The approach is divided into two stages: biosensor design and brain tumor detection. Initially, PCF geometry with suspended cladding and a spiral-shaped hollow-core in the terahertz (THz) band is proposed. The PCF biosensors’ characteristics are then calculated using the EPPNN model. The EPPNN model’s hyperparameters are modified using the circle-inspired optimization algorithm to maximize accuracy and minimize effective mode loss. The proposed biosensor is then used to identify brain tumors. Experimental evaluations utilizing MATLAB show that the suggested strategy surpasses earlier methods, with a higher sensitivity (98%). The sensor has exceptional performance characteristics, such as a high figure of merit of 1.25–1.35 RI range and sensitivity of 50000 nm RIU−1, indicating its potential for precise detection of changes in refractive index. This combination of photonic crystal structures and neural networks has enormous potential for improving cancerous tumor accuracy to 99.92%, precision to 99.23%, specificity to 99.73%,and sensitivity to 99.36% of brain tumor diagnosis.

Surface plasmon resonance photonic crystal fiber biosensor: Utilizing silver-phosphorene nanoribbons for Near-IR detection

In recent years, the utilization of two-dimensional materials in photonic crystal fiber structures has developed the capabilities of biosensors in biological and biochemical applications. A photonic crystal fiber biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance with silver and phosphorene layers is proposed in this paper. Phosphorene helps with the prevention of oxidation of the silver layer used as a plasmonic active metal. The sensor performance can be optimized by changing the structural parameters. The maximum wavelength sensitivity obtained was 1800 nm/RIU in the dynamic index range of 1.39–1.45, and the proposed sensor also showed the maximum amplitude sensitivity of 268 RIU−1 with an analyte refractive index of 1.40. The performance of the proposed sensor was analyzed using the finite element method. The results show that using phosphorene may open a new window for the study of online biomolecular interaction.

Photonic crystal-enhanced fluorescence biosensor with logic gate operation based on one-pot cascade amplification DNA circuit for enzyme-free and ultrasensitive analysis of two microRNAs

The development of sensitive and efficient analytical methods for multiple biomarkers is crucial for cancer screening at early stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of biomarkers with diagnostic potential for cancer. However, the ultrasensitive and logical analysis of multiple miRNAs with simple operation still faces some challenges. Herein, a photonic crystal (PC)-enhanced fluorescence biosensor with logic gate operation based on one-pot cascade amplification DNA circuit was developed for enzyme-free and ultrasensitive analysis of two cancer-related miRNAs. The fluorescence biosensor was performed by biochemical recognition amplification module (BCRAM) and physical enhancement module (PEM) to achieve logical and sensitive detection. In the BCRAM, one-pot cascade amplification circuit consisted of the upstream parallel entropy-driven circuit (EDC) and the downstream shared catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA). The input of target miRNA would trigger each corresponding EDC, and the parallel EDCs released the same R strand for triggering subsequent CHA; thus, the OR logic gate was obtained with minimization of design and operation. In the PEM, photonic crystal (PC) array was prepared easily for specifically enhancing the fluorescence output from BCRAM by the optical modulation capabilities; meanwhile, the high-throughput signal readout was achieved by microplate analyzer. Benefiting from the integrated advantages of two modules, the proposed biosensor achieved ultrasensitive detection of two miRNAs with easy logic gate operation, obtaining the LODs of 8.6 fM and 6.7 fM under isothermal and enzyme-free conditions. Hence, the biosensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, easy operation, multiplex and high-throughput analysis, showing great potential for cancer screening at early stage.

High‐performance photonic crystal fibre biosensor for identifying Jurkat cells by refractive index analysis

AbstractJurkat cells are immortalised lines of human T lymphocyte cells widely used in research to study leukaemia, signalling of T cells, and immune responses. These cells can be used as models to define the mechanisms of leukaemia and to develop mechanism‐based therapies. Jurkat cells can be detected with remarkable accuracy using the recently created Photonic Crystal Fibre (PCF). The suggested design has a hybrid arrangement on its clad surface and a rectangular core. The recently released PCF analyser displays a maximum Relative Sensitivity are 95.81% for Jurkat (type I) and 94.93% for Jurkat (type II), respectively. The Effective Material Loss of 0.0070 cm−1, 0.0080 cm−1, and the Confinement Loss of 9.11 × 10−9 dB/m, 9.15 × 10−8 dB/m were also examined for the previously described units. Jurkat cells represent a model of leukaemia that is very malignant and proliferative, representative of aggressive T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with the ability to progress rapidly and hence poor prognosis for patients. The benefit of applying a suggested PCF sensor to Jurkat cell detection lies in the high sensitivity to refractive index changes, allowing label‐free and real‐time monitoring of cell interaction. This PCF sensor can offer high light‐matter interaction, custom geometry, and biocompatibility for specific and reliable detection of deadly Jurkat cells in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

Design of a two-dimensional photonic crystal biosensor to identify blood cholesterol in humans

The cholesterol detection of human blood using a two-dimensional photonic crystal biosensor has been studied in this paper. The structure calculations are done using Plane Wave Expansion (PWE) and Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD). Photonic crystals can be used to detect biological components by utilizing a two-dimensional structure and resonator nano ring. These nano rings cause waveguide and resonator coupling. The cylinders around the sensing region have investigated the improvement structure output. The quality factor and figure of merit (FOM) for this sensor are 4988 and 57.14 RIU−1, respectively, and the low detection limit (DL) is 0.001(RIU), with a sensitivity of 32 (nm/RIU).

Design and simulation of a resonant nanoring-based two-dimensional photonic crystal biosensor for cancer cell detection

This article introduces a novel two-dimensional photonic crystal biosensor designed for the detection of various cancer cell types and the verification of associated parameters. The proposed structure features a circular resonator nanoring with a sensing region at its center, facilitating the connection with cancer cells. The sensor has been tested with a diverse range of cancer cell types including skin, cervical, blood, adrenal, and two subtypes of breast cancer cells (Sort 1 and Sort 2). All outputs of the structure were studied at two different wavelengths and its parameters were analyzed separately. The best quality factor obtained for normal and abnormal cells of the target structure is 13,353 and 3053, respectively. Due to its high-quality factor and high FOM and low DL, this sensor has an acceptable sensitivity of 214.28(nm/RIU). FOM and DL in this sensor are equal to 172.35(RIU−1) and 5.80 × 10−4(RIU), respectively. The resonant wavelength shift of this structure is a relatively good value due to the coupling distance between the input wave and the resonator nanoring.

Aptameric photonic structure-based optical biosensor for the detection of microcystin

An optical photonic biosensor for the detection of microcystin (MC) has been developed using an aptamer-immobilized interpenetrating polymeric network (IPNaptamer) intertwined with solid-state cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCsolids). The IPN was constructed with a polyacrylic acid hydrogel (PAA). Aptamer immobilization enhances polarity while blocking hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic groups of PAA-IPN hydrogel, thereby increasing the swelling ratio of the PAA-IPN hydrogel. This leads to an expansion in the helical pitch of the corresponding IPNaptamer-CLCsolid biosensor chip and results in a red-shift in the reflected color. Upon exposure to an aqueous MC solution, the IPNaptamer-CLCsolid biosensor chip exhibits aptamer-mediated engulfment of MC, resulting in reduced polarity of the IPNaptamer complex and a consequential blue-shift in the biosensor chip color occurred. The wavelength shift of the IPNaptamer-CLCsolid biosensor chip demonstrates a linear change with an increase in MC concentration from 3.8 to 150 nM, with a limit of detection of 0.88 nM. This novel optical biosensor is characterized by its low cost, simplicity, selectivity, and sensitivity, offering a promising strategy for designing similar toxin biosensors through the modification of biological receptors.