Distributed Feedback Laser Biosensor in Microplate Format

A process that combines polymer anoreplica molding with horizontal dipping was used to fabricate large area (~3x5 in2) distributed feedback laser biosensors (DFBLB) on flexible plastic substrates, which were subsequently incorporated into standard format 96-well microplates. A room temperature nanoreplica molding process was used to create subwavelength periodic grating structures, while a horizontal dipping process was used to apply a ~300 nm, dye-doped polymer film. In this work, the DFBLB emission wavelength, used to characterize the device uniformity, demonstrated a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.41% over the fabricated device area, representing a thickness standard deviation of only ~35 nm for the horizontal dipping process.The fabricated sensors were further characterized for sensitivity uniformity by measuring the bulk refractive index of the media exposed to the sensor surface and by measuring adsorption of biomolecular layers. An assay for detection of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was used to demonstrate the operation of the sensor in the context of label-free detection of a disease biomarker. The demonstrated capability represents an important step towards roll-to-roll manufacturability for this biosensor that simultaneously incorporates high sensitivity with excellent wavelength shift resolution, and adaptability to the microplate format that is ubiquitous in pharmaceutical research.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Tan, Yafang

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cunningham, Brian T.

• nanoreplica molding
• horizontal dipping
• distributed feedback laser biosensors (DFBLB)
• tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Yafang Tan

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/29649

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/29649