Hybrid Sensor Device for Simultaneous Surface Plasmon Resonance and Surface Acoustic Wave Measurements.

Area of Science:

• Biosensing Technologies
• Surface Acoustic Wave Devices
• Optical Biosensing

Background:

• Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Love wave (LW) surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are established for label-free, real-time biomolecular interaction monitoring.
• Simultaneous optical and acoustic measurements offer enhanced insights into surface-bound biomolecular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a combined SPR/LW-SAW platform for simultaneous optical and acoustic measurements.
• To investigate biomolecular binding on a single surface using integrated sensing modalities.
• To establish a foundation for advanced biochemical and biophysical studies using this novel platform.

Main Methods:

• Design and manufacturing of a novel experimental set-up integrating SPR and LW-SAW devices.
• Utilizing a 3D-printed holder and PDMS microfluidic cell for flow-through measurements.
• System evaluation through systematic study of optical and acoustic responses to various surface perturbations (mass loading, viscous loading, protein adsorption).

Main Results:

• The combined SPR/LW-SAW platform successfully recorded synchronized optical (SPR) and acoustic (Love wave phase and amplitude) data.
• Demonstrated distinct responses to rigid mass loading (Au), viscous loading (glycerol, sucrose), and protein adsorption (BSA).
• Validated the system's capability for simultaneous, label-free monitoring of surface-binding events.

Conclusions:

• The developed combined SPR/LW-SAW platform provides a powerful tool for simultaneous optical and acoustic analysis of biomolecular interactions.
• The system's design and validation support its application in diverse biochemical and biophysical research areas.
• This integrated approach enhances the understanding of surface phenomena in real-time.