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Updated: May 4, 2026
11:23
Lensless Fluorescent Microscopy on a Chip
Published on: August 17, 2011
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An angular fluidic channel for prism-free surface-plasmon-assisted fluorescence capturing.
Ken-ichi Nomura1, Subash C B Gopinath2, Thangavel Lakshmipriya3
11] Flexible Electronics Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan [2].
Nature Communications
|December 17, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a novel prism-free optical sensing system using V-shaped fluidic channels for enhanced fluorescence detection. The system achieves high sensitivity for biomolecular interactions and virus detection with minimal sample volume.
Area of Science:
- Biophotonics
- Optical Sensing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Surface plasmon excitation offers enhanced sensitivity for biosensing but typically requires precise prism alignment.
- Existing methods face limitations in sensitivity, sample volume, and ease of use for complex biomolecular detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified, highly sensitive optical sensing platform combining surface plasmon excitation and fluorescence.
- To overcome the limitations of prism-based systems by integrating functions into a single V-shaped fluidic channel setup.
Main Methods:
- Utilized V-shaped fluidic channels to integrate prism, sensing plate, and flow channel functionalities.
- Employed surface plasmon excitation and fluorescence detection on a self-assembled monolayer for biomolecular recognition.
- Used antibodies as probes for detecting intact influenza viruses.
Main Results:
- Achieved high sensitivity, reaching 100 fM for biotin-streptavidin interactions.
- Demonstrated detection of intact influenza viruses at 0.2 HA units/mL levels.
- The system requires minimal sample volumes (1-2 μL).
Conclusions:
- The developed V-shaped fluidic channel system offers a prism-free, highly sensitive, and convenient approach for optical biosensing.
- This platform is suitable for applications requiring low sample volumes and enhanced fluorescence detection.
- The system demonstrates superior performance for various biomolecular recognition reactions and pathogen detection.
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