A High-Sensitivity Method Based on Advanced Optical Waveguide Technology to Detect HBsAg.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Biosensing
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
• Accurate detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Current detection methods face challenges in sensitivity at very low concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, highly sensitive method for detecting low concentrations of HBsAg.
• To utilize ultrahigh-order guided modes in a metal-cladding waveguide for enhanced detection.
• To establish a reliable detection system for HBsAg within the lower clinical gray area.

Main Methods:

• A symmetrical metal-cladding waveguide was designed to excite ultrahigh-order guided modes.
• The detection principle is based on the minimum absorption peak value being proportional to HBsAg concentration.
• A linear relationship between HBsAg concentration and absorption peak minimum was established.

Main Results:

• The proposed method precisely detects HBsAg at concentrations below 20 ng/mL.
• The system demonstrates a resolution of 2 ng/mL for HBsAg detection.
• The linear relationship facilitates accurate quantification of low HBsAg levels.

Conclusions:

• The novel waveguide-based method offers a sensitive and precise approach for HBsAg detection.
• This technique is effective for measuring HBsAg in the lower range of the clinical gray area.
• The developed method holds potential for improved HBV diagnostics.