Nanomaterial-Enhanced Receptor Technology for Silicon On-Chip Biosensing Application

Abstract

Nanomaterials integration in biosensors designs are known to enhance sensing and signaling capabilities by exhibiting remarkably high surface area enhancement and intrinsic reactivity owing to their distinctive optical, chemical, electrical and catalytic properties. We present the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and their immobilization on a silicon on-chip biosensor platform to enhance sensing capability for prostate specific antigen (PSA) - cancer biomarkers. Several techniques, including UV-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectrum, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used for characterizing the AgNPs. The biochemical sensor consists of AgNPs immobilized on the receptor layer of a silicon avalanche mode light emitting device (Si AM LED) which enables on-chip optical detection biological analytes. A bio-interaction layer etched from the chip interacts with the evanescent field of a micro dimensioned waveguide. An array of detectors below the receptor cavity selectively monitor reflected light in the UV, visible, infrared and far infrared wavelength regions. AgNPs used as an immobilization layer in the receptor layer enhances selective absorption analytes, causing a change in detection signal as a function of propagation wavelength as light is dispersed. The analytes could range from gases to cancer biomarkers like prostate specific antigen.

Futuristic Silicon Photonic Biosensor with Nanomaterial Enhancement for PSA Detection

“…All the data obtained from the characterisation equipment were plotted using Origin Software (version 8.0). The SEM, FESEM, HRTEM, Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy results have been published in our previous work [34]. In this present article, we present only the SAXS, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and light microscope analysis of the AgNPs.…”

“…Of particular importance is the recent success in increasing the emission intensity to about 100-fold, reduction of the device's size to micron emissions, and the emission areas to submicron dimensions [33]. The different methods used to accomplish these applications through micro-and nanolithographic techniques, and to create micro-electronics-processing devices have been discussed in another study [34]. The prepared AgNPs are used in the biointeraction area that has been etched in the nitrite layer to form a region that allows for the selective detection of PSA and other biomarkers, depending on the material used to construct the sensing platform.…”

Futuristic Silicon Photonic Biosensor with Nanomaterial Enhancement for PSA Detection

“…All the data obtained from the characterization equipment were plotted using Origin 8.0 Software. The SEM, FESEM, HRTEM, fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy results have been published in our previous work [34]. In this present article, we present only the SAXS, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and light microscope analysis of the AgNPs.…”

“…Of particular importance is the recent success in increasing ( ( the emission intensity to about 100-fold, reduction of the device's size to micron emissions, and the emission areas to submicron dimensions [33]. The different methods used to accomplish these applications through micro-and nano-lithographic techniques, and to create micro-electronics processing devices have been discussed in another study [34]. The prepared AgNPs is use in the biointeraction area that has been etched in the nitrite layer to form a region that allows for the selective detection of PSA and other biomarker, depending on the material used to construct the sensing platform.…”