Silicon photonic wire biosensor array for multiplexed real-time and label-free molecular detection

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Biosensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Simultaneous monitoring of molecular binding reactions is crucial for various applications.
• Existing biosensing technologies face challenges in sensitivity, specificity, and multiplexing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a silicon photonic wire waveguide biosensor array chip.
• To enable simultaneous monitoring of diverse molecular binding reactions with high sensitivity and specificity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a silicon photonic wire waveguide biosensor array chip with integrated microfluidics.
• Utilizing a balanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer design for temperature-independent sensing.
• Employing cascaded optical power splitters for addressing sensor elements from a single input fiber.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated simultaneous real-time monitoring of antibody-antigen reactions.
• Achieved a high level of detection, corresponding to a surface coverage of less than 0.3 pg/mm².
• The biosensor chip is compatible with automated commercial spotting tools.

Conclusions:

• The developed silicon photonic wire waveguide biosensor array chip offers a sensitive and multiplexed platform for molecular binding analysis.
• This technology has potential applications in diagnostics, drug discovery, and fundamental biological research.
• The integrated microfluidics and automated compatibility enhance its utility for high-throughput screening.