Recognition-mediated particle detection under microfluidic flow with waveguide-coupled 2D photonic crystals: towards integrated photonic virus detectors

• Published in: Lab on a chip Vol. 17; no. 9; pp. 1570 - 1577
• Main Authors: Baker, James E., Sriram, Rashmi, Miller, Benjamin L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 02.05.2017
• Subjects: Antibodies, Viral - metabolism; Biosensing Techniques - instrumentation; Biosensors; Detectors; Devices; Humans; Infiltration; Mass production; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques - instrumentation; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques - methods; Optics and Photonics - instrumentation; Photonic crystals; Sensors; Viruses; Viruses - isolation & purification; Viruses - metabolism
• ISSN: 1473-0197; 1473-0189; 1473-0189
• DOI: 10.1039/C7LC00221A

Label-free biodetection schemes compatible with standard CMOS fabrication methods constitute an important goal, as these are enabling tools for the mass production of high-sensitivity biosensors. Two-dimensional slab photonic crystal (2D slab-PhC) sensors have been posited as ultrahigh-sensitivity detection components, but to date recognition-mediated detection of viruses or simulants under flow has not been demonstrated. We report the design and optimization of a new W1 waveguide-coupled 2D slab-PhC sensor, with a geometry well suited to virus detection. Proof of concept experiments with fluorescent latex particles verified that the sensor could respond to infiltration of a single particle, both in air and under an aqueous cover layer. Subsequent experiments with antibody-functionalized sensors and virus simulants confirmed the ability of the device to detect virus-sized particles under flow via a recognition-mediated process. This work sets the stage for incorporation of 2D slab-PhC sensors into fully integrated photonic sensor systems.