High Sensitivity Sensor Based on Bound State in the Continuum in Detection for Cancer Cells

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Terahertz (THz) Photonics
• Biosensing Technology

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces utilizing bound states in the continuum (BIC) show promise for biomedical applications.
• High-sensitivity detection of cancer cells using THz technology faces implementation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a THz biosensor for sensitive cancer cell detection and discrimination.
• To establish a label-free, long-term cellular monitoring platform using THz technology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized dual split-ring resonator (DSRR) arrays exhibiting quasi-bound states in the continuum (Q-BIC).
• Performed numerical simulations to determine resonance characteristics and detection sensitivity.
• Experimentally validated the biosensor performance with normal and cancer cell lines.
• Integrated machine learning algorithms for cell type discrimination based on spectral data.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high-Q resonance dip at 2.35 THz with a high detection sensitivity of 522 GHz/RIU.
• Successfully detected and differentiated between normal murine splenocytes and three cancer cell lines (LLC, LoVo, MC38).
• Demonstrated effective cell type discrimination by projecting high-dimensional spectral data into a low-dimensional space using machine learning.

Conclusions:

• The developed THz biosensor offers a sensitive and label-free method for cancer cell detection.
• The integration of Q-BIC metasurfaces and machine learning advances THz technology for practical biomedical applications.
• This approach facilitates long-term cellular monitoring and holds potential for innovative diagnostic tools.