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Optofluidic chip with directly printed polymer optical waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer sensors for label-free
Han Wang1, Zhituo Chen1,2, Taige Li1
1Photonics Research Institute, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Biomedical Optics Express
|June 10, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel optofluidic chip using printed polymer waveguides for sensitive, label-free biomarker detection. This cost-effective device offers potential for widespread point-of-care diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Biomedical Diagnostics
- Photonics
Background:
- Optofluidic devices offer miniaturization and high sensitivity for diagnostics.
- Silicon-based photonic chips have complex fabrication and limited functionalization, hindering cost-effective applications.
- There is a need for accessible, scalable diagnostic tools, especially during public health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel optofluidic chip for label-free biomarker detection.
- To demonstrate the use of directly printed polymer optical waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) sensors.
- To overcome limitations of conventional silicon-based chips for cost-effective diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Digital ultraviolet lithography was used to directly print asymmetric MZI microsensors.
- Width-tailored optical waveguides were fabricated and integrated with a microfluidic layer.
- Sensors were functionalized with capture molecules (goat anti-human immunoglobulin G) for specific biomarker detection.
Main Results:
- The directly printed polymer optical waveguide MZI sensor achieved a sensitivity of approximately 1695.95 nm/RIU.
- On-chip detection of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) was demonstrated down to a concentration of 1.78 pM.
- The fabricated optofluidic chip showed high sensitivity and ease of functionalization.
Conclusions:
- The developed polymer optical waveguide-based optofluidic chip is miniaturized, cost-effective, and highly sensitive.
- This technology facilitates label-free biomarker detection with potential for daily point-of-care diagnostic devices.
- The approach offers significant potential for widespread use in diagnostics and responding to public health needs.
