Millimeter-Wave-Based Spoof Localized Surface Plasmonic Resonator for Sensing Glucose Concentration

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics
• Biosensing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Diabetes management requires accurate glucose monitoring.
• Spoof localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance sensors offer high sensitivity and quality factors.
• Millimeter-wave sensors provide advantages over microwave sensors, including smaller chip size and enhanced sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a millimeter-wave spoof surface plasmonic resonator sensor for measuring glucose concentrations.
• To achieve high sensitivity and a small sample volume for practical diabetes monitoring.
• To develop a reusable and reproducible sensor system.

Main Methods:

• Design of a millimeter-wave spoof surface plasmonic resonator sensor operating at 28 GHz.
• Fabrication of a reusable microfluidic channel using polydimethylsiloxane and a multilayer bonding film.
• Real-time detection of glucose concentration by monitoring changes in the S11 parameter.

Main Results:

• The sensor achieved an average sensitivity of 0.015669 dB/(mg/dL) within the 0-300 mg/dL glucose concentration range.
• The minimum detectable glucose concentration was 1 mg/dL, with a distinguishable signal of 0.015669 dB.
• The sensor operated with a small sample volume of 3.4 μL and demonstrated reusability and reproducibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed millimeter-wave spoof surface plasmonic resonator sensor is a promising tool for sensitive and real-time glucose monitoring.
• The sensor's small chip size, high sensitivity, and minimal sample volume requirements make it suitable for practical diabetes management.
• The reusability and reproducibility of the sensor system were confirmed, indicating its potential for widespread application.