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High-Throughput Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence and Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy Using a Photonic Chip
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Greatly Enhanced Single Particle Fluorescence Detection Using High Refractive Index Liquid-Core Waveguides
Gopikrishnan Gopalakrishnan Meena1, Joel G Wright2, Aaron R Hawkins2
1School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA.
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics : a Publication of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society
|May 17, 2021
Summary
A novel silicon dioxide optofluidic platform enhances biosensor sensitivity. This technology achieves ultra-high performance for detecting analytes at clinical concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Silicon Photonics
- Biosensing
Background:
- Silicon photonics is crucial for diagnostic biosensors due to its sensitivity and microfabrication compatibility.
- Optofluidic platforms integrate optical and fluidic functionalities for advanced sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel silicon dioxide based optofluidic platform for ultra-high sensitivity biosensing.
- To demonstrate enhanced particle fluorescence collection and propagation for improved detection limits.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of a planar solid-core (SC) waveguide orthogonally intersecting a liquid-core (LC) waveguide.
- Utilizing a high refractive index ZnI2 salt solution as the core for the LC waveguide.
- Integration with microfabrication techniques for scalable device fabrication.
Main Results:
- Achieved an 8X enhancement in signal-to-noise ratio.
- Demonstrated a 45x increase in detection efficiency.
- Reached a 100x lower detection limit of 80 aM for fluorescent nanobeads.
Conclusions:
- The developed optofluidic platform offers ultra-high sensitivity for biosensing applications.
- This technology represents a significant advancement towards ultrasensitive pathogen analysis at clinical concentrations.
- The platform's design enables uniform fluorescence collection and efficient signal propagation to detectors.
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