Portable Automatic Microring Resonator System Using a Subwavelength Grating Metamaterial Waveguide for...

Area of Science:

• Biophotonics
• Biosensing Technology
• Nanophotonics

Background:

• Existing bio-detection systems are often bulky, limiting their use in remote diagnostics.
• There is a need for portable, user-friendly biosensing platforms for point-of-care applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fully automatic, portable biosensing system for bio-related detection.
• To create a cost-effective and easily manufacturable platform for widespread use.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microring resonator with subwavelength grating metamaterial for high sensitivity.
• Integrated an optical-fiber array with a micro-positioning system for automated alignment.
• Developed a cost-effective microfluidic pump controlled by an Arduino board for stable flow rates.
• Employed C-band superluminescent-light-emitting-diode and grating couplers for light coupling.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a limit of detection of 10 μg/mL for streptavidin using biotin-streptavidin binding.
• Achieved high sensitivity through surface index changes detected by the microring resonator.
• The system showed potential for various applications including heavy metal detection, gas sensing, virus examination, and cancer marker diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable biosensing system offers a sensitive, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution for on-site diagnostics.
• The platform's versatility allows for adaptation to a wide range of biomarker detection and environmental monitoring applications.
• This technology advances the field of point-of-care testing and remote medical diagnostics.