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Stabilization of Copper-Based Biochips with Alumina for Biosensing Application
Nour Beydoun1, Yann Niberon1, Laurent Arnaud2
1Light, Nanomaterials & Nanotechnologies (L2n), CNRS-ERL 7004, Université de Technologie de Troyes, 10000 Troyes, France.
Biosensors
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a protective aluminum oxide layer for copper films, enabling their use in plasmonic biochips. This sustainable alternative to gold offers comparable initial performance and extends device usability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biochips commonly use gold coatings.
- Developing biochips with more abundant metals like copper is crucial for sustainability.
- Copper's susceptibility to oxidation poses a challenge for SPR applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate copper films as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to gold in SPR devices.
- To develop a protective method to mitigate copper oxidation in aqueous environments.
- To assess the feasibility of using protected copper films for standard biochip measurements.
Main Methods:
- Thin copper films were deposited on glass coverslips via thermal evaporation.
- Angle-resolved optical analysis was used to characterize plasmonic resonance.
- A thin layer of aluminum oxide was applied to protect the copper films.
Main Results:
- Copper films initially showed intense plasmonic resonance, comparable to gold.
- Unprotected copper films rapidly degraded in water, indicated by resonance curve shifts.
- A few nanometers of aluminum oxide effectively limited copper oxidation, allowing for measurements.
Conclusions:
- Protected copper films offer a viable, sustainable alternative to gold for SPR biochips.
- Aluminum oxide coating is a simple, compatible method to enhance copper film stability.
- This approach could lead to the development of more sustainable and cost-effective biochip technologies.
