Surface Plasmon Resonance Optical Sensor: A Review on Light Source Technology.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensor research originated in the early 20th century, with key developments in gas and biosensing in 1983.
• SPR sensor evolution is intrinsically linked to advancements in nanostructuring, optics, fluidics, and light source technologies.
• Current commercial SPR sensors are expensive, limiting their use in low-cost point-of-care (PoC) settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensor development.
• To analyze the impact of light source technology trends on SPR sensor design and capabilities.
• To highlight the potential of emerging light sources for low-cost SPR sensor platforms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the evolution of SPR sensor technology.
• Analysis of the influence of light source technology on SPR sensor configurations, methodologies, and optical designs.
• Examination of recent advancements in solid-state light sources for SPR applications.

Main Results:

• Light source technology is a critical component strongly influencing SPR sensor configurations, methodology, and optical design.
• Advancements in light sources enable new principles for miniaturized, portable, and disposable SPR sensors.
• Low-cost solid-state light sources like laser diodes, LEDs, OLEDs, and smartphone displays show promise for future SPR platforms.

Conclusions:

• The development of light source technology is pivotal for the future of SPR sensors.
• Emerging low-cost light sources pave the way for affordable and accessible SPR-based point-of-care diagnostics.
• This review offers valuable insights for SPR sensor designers and researchers in the field.