Open AccessLow-cost label-free biosensors using photonic crystals embedded between crossed polarizers
Author(s) -
Yousef Nazirizadeh,
Uwe Bog,
S.T. Sekula,
Timo Mappes,
Uli Lemmer,
Martina Gerken
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.019120
Subject(s) - biosensor , polarizer , photonic crystal , materials science , photodiode , optics , optoelectronics , guided mode resonance , polarization (electrochemistry) , analyte , photonics , streptavidin , nanotechnology , grating , diffraction grating , chemistry , birefringence , physics , biochemistry , biotin
There is a strong need for low-cost biosensors to enable rapid, on-site analysis of biological, biomedical, or chemical substances. We propose a platform for label-free optical biosensors based on applying the analyte onto a surface-functionalized photonic crystal slab and performing a transmission measurement with two crossed polarization filters. This dark-field approach allows for efficient background suppression as only the photonic crystal guided-mode resonances interacting with the functionalized surface experience significant polarization rotation. We present a compact biosensor demonstrator using a low-cost light emitting diode and a simple photodiode capable of detecting the binding kinetics of a 2.5 nM solution of the protein streptavidin on a biotin-functionalized photonic crystal surface.