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Chemically stabilized MgF2-Ag-Al2O3 SPR biosensor for label-free brain tumor detection
Walaa M Nouman1, Arafa H Aly2, Fatma A Sayed2
1Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University Egypt.
RSC Advances
|July 6, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an advanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for label-free brain tumor identification. The novel sensor accurately distinguishes healthy, primary, and metastatic brain tissues with high sensitivity and stability.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Optical Sensing
Background:
- Accurate and early detection of brain tumors is crucial for effective treatment.
- Existing diagnostic methods can be invasive or lack sufficient sensitivity.
- Label-free biosensing offers a promising approach for rapid and sensitive biological sample analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize an advanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for label-free identification of primary and metastatic brain tumors.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance using clinically relevant refractive index values of human brain tissues.
- To assess the stability and potential for biofunctionalization of the proposed sensor design.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a multilayer SPR biosensor structure including SF66 prism, MgF2 buffer, silver plasmonic layer, and Al2O3 protective film via atomic layer deposition (ALD).
- Optimization of the sensor design to achieve high figure of merit (FOM) and angular sensitivity.
- Simulation and analysis of resonance-angle shifts using refractive index values for healthy, primary tumor, and metastatic brain tissues.
- Investigation of temperature effects on sensor performance at physiological temperatures.
Main Results:
- The optimized SPR biosensor achieved a high figure of merit (FOM) of 42.89 RIU⁻¹ and angular sensitivity of 56.55° RIU⁻¹.
- The sensor demonstrated clear resonance-angle shifts differentiating healthy brain tissue (2.34°) from metastatic lesions (8.48°).
- The ALD-grown Al2O3 coating ensured long-term stability and preserved optical performance, with potential for biofunctionalization.
Conclusions:
- The proposed SPR biosensor platform is a rapid, sensitive, and clinically relevant tool for distinguishing between healthy, primary, and metastatic brain tissues.
- The sensor's robust design and high performance indicate its potential for improved brain tumor diagnostics.
- Further development could integrate biofunctionalization for enhanced specificity in clinical applications.
