Sensitive Bioassay with an Ultralarge Dynamic Range via Microlaser Ensemble Quenching

Area of Science:

• Biophotonics
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microlaser ensembles (ME) offer potential for sensitive bioassays.
• Lasing properties are sensitive to surface modifications and molecular interactions.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or dynamic range required for certain applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel bioassay platform utilizing microlaser ensemble (ME) lasing threshold distribution.
• To establish a method for measuring analyte concentrations in solution based on quenching effects in MEs.
• To demonstrate the platform's capability for high sensitivity and broad dynamic range detection.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a microlaser ensemble (ME) using dye-doped microbeads in a micro Fabry-Perot cavity.
• Surface modification of microbeads with biorecognition molecules for analyte capture.
• Measurement of lasing threshold distribution across the ME under varying analyte concentrations.
• Application of a theoretical model to correlate lasing threshold distribution with analyte concentration.

Main Results:

• The microlaser ensemble (ME) exhibits a measurable lasing threshold distribution directly related to analyte concentration.
• A detection limit of 0.1 pg/mL was achieved for streptavidin.
• The platform demonstrated a dynamic range exceeding 5 orders of magnitude.

Conclusions:

• The microlaser ensemble (ME) quenching method provides a sensitive and robust platform for bioanalysis.
• This approach enables low detection limits and superior dynamic range, outperforming traditional methods.
• The developed bioassay platform holds promise for various diagnostic and research applications.