C-Reactive Protein Sensor Based on Porous Silicon Bragg Stack Interferometers

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosensor Technology

Background:

• Bio-functionalized nanomaterials are crucial for sensitive biomolecule detection in nanosystems.
• Porous silicon offers advantageous physicochemical properties for advanced sensing applications.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key biomarker for inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a modified biosensor for detecting C-reactive protein (CRP).
• To utilize a porous silicon Bragg stack interferometer functionalized with anti-CRP antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and optical characterization of a porous silicon Bragg stack interferometer.
• Surface modification of the interferometer with anti-CRP antibodies.
• Assessment of sensor performance by measuring shifts in white light reflection spectrum peaks.

Main Results:

• SEM imaging confirmed pore sizes in the 10-20 nm range for the porous silicon Bragg stack.
• Molecular binding of CRP caused a detectable shift in the reflection peak wavelengths.
• A significant decrease in reflectivity was observed within 10 seconds, indicating rapid detection.
• The biosensor demonstrated a C-reactive protein detection limit as low as 100 pM.

Conclusions:

• The anti-CRP modified porous silicon Bragg stack interferometer is a viable platform for sensitive CRP detection.
• The sensor exhibits rapid response times and a low detection limit, suitable for clinical applications.
• This approach highlights the potential of bio-functionalized porous silicon nanomaterials in advanced biosensing.