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Optomechanical Racetrack Cantilever Biosensor: Bridging Chemical and Cellular Detection
Chaitra Shri Krishnappa1, Ugra Mohan Roy1, Malathi Sathish2
1Department of ECE, FET, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Journal of Biophotonics
|November 19, 2025
Summary
A new optomechanical biosensor can detect both chemical and cellular analytes simultaneously. This biosensor design shows distinct resonance signatures for different analytes, paving the way for advanced diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- Optomechanical biosensors offer label-free detection.
- Simultaneous detection of diverse analytes remains a challenge.
- Racetrack-cantilever designs show promise for enhanced sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and model a novel optomechanical biosensor architecture.
- To enable simultaneous detection of chemical and cellular analytes.
- To investigate the sensor's response to various analytes using simulations.
Main Methods:
- Integrated optomechanical racetrack-cantilever and flexible cantilever design.
- Finite element simulations (ANSYS, COMSOL) for mechanical load modeling.
- Analytical beam theory for validation of simulation results.
Main Results:
- Modeled pressure loads from glucose, dopamine, and cancer cells as mechanical deflections.
- Observed distinct resonance wavelength shifts for chemical versus cellular analytes.
- PDMS cantilevers showed sensitivity (1.69 pm/kPa), while SiO2 showed negligible sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Proof-of-concept for a racetrack-cantilever optomechanical biosensor demonstrated via simulation.
- Analyte discrimination capacity established through distinct resonance signatures.
- Provides a design foundation for future experimental fabrication and validation.
