Quad-Band Terahertz Metasurface Flexible Biosensor for HCC Biomarker Detection Using a Multipeak Data Fusion Strategy

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Metamaterials
• Terahertz Spectroscopy

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) technology offers label-free, non-destructive detection of biomolecules for cancer biomarker analysis.
• Conventional THz biosensors are limited by single resonant peaks, impacting sensitivity and precision.
• Metasurfaces provide a platform for developing advanced THz biosensing devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a flexible quad-band THz metasurface biosensor for high-sensitivity cancer biomarker detection.
• To introduce a multipeak data fusion strategy to enhance sensing performance.
• To demonstrate the biosensor's effectiveness for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Design of a flexible metasurface biosensor with a mirrored double-F-shaped metallic unit cell.
• Generation of four resonant peaks in the THz range (1.02, 2.27, 2.60, and 2.95 THz).
• Application of a multipeak data fusion strategy for analyzing frequency shifts and improving detection metrics.

Main Results:

• The biosensor achieved high detection sensitivities (35.4 and 31.1 GHz/lg (ng/mL)) for alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen.
• A limit of detection as low as 1.00 ng/mL was obtained for both cancer biomarkers.
• The multipeak data fusion strategy significantly improved linearity (R2 > 0.99) and reduced relative standard deviation (<3%).

Conclusions:

• The proposed quad-band THz metasurface biosensor with multipeak data fusion offers enhanced sensitivity and precision for cancer biomarker detection.
• This technology provides an effective solution for the early clinical diagnosis of cancer.
• The findings pave the way for advanced THz biosensing applications in healthcare.