Reversible integrated optic evanescent field biosensor using chemical amplification for added sensitivity

摘要

Abstract: Planar waveguide interferometers provide an attractive sensing platform for biosensor applications. Advantages include small size, real-time sensing, multiple analyte detection on a chip, performance independent of wavelength and optical power, and nulling of thermal and mechanical noise. Limitations include slow diffusion time of the analyte to the functionalized surface, interference from non-specific binding and bulk index of refraction changes and a lack of reversibility. Combining certain techniques used in affinity chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and with an amplifying chemoselective film on the waveguide produces a sensor that is versatile, reusable and overcomes most of the above limitations. Work will be presented using an optical pH and ammonia sensor for detection. !10