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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Label-free Single Molecule Detection Using Microtoroid Optical Resonators
Published on: December 29, 2015
Single-molecule detection of biomarker and localized cellular photothermal therapy using an optical microfiber with
Hongtao Li1, Yunyun Huang1, Guanhua Hou1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
Abstract:
For early-stage diagnostics, there is a strong demand for sensors that can rapidly detect biomarkers at ultralow concentration or even at the single-molecule level. Compared with other types of sensors, optical microfibers are more convenient for use as point-of-care devices in early-stage diagnostics. However, the relatively low sensitivity strongly hinders their use. To this end, an optical microfiber is functionalized with a plasmonic nanointerface consisting of black phosphorus-supported Au nanohybrids. The microfiber is able to detect epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB2) at concentrations ranging from 10 zM to 100 nM, with a detection limit of 6.72 zM, enabling detection at the single-molecule level. The nanointerface-sensitized microfiber is capable of differentiating cancer cells from normal cells and treating cancer cells through cellular photothermal therapy. This work opens up a possible approach for the integration of cellular diagnosis and treatment.
