Issue 10, 2011

A single-layer, planar, optofluidic Mach–Zehnder interferometer for label-free detection

Abstract

We have developed a planar, optofluidic Mach–Zehnder interferometer for the label-free detection of liquid samples. In contrast to most on-chip interferometers which require complex fabrication, our design was realized via a simple, single-layer soft lithography fabrication process. In addition, a single-wavelength laser source and a silicon photodetector were the only optical equipment used for data collection. The device was calibrated using published data for the refractive index of calcium chloride (CaCl2) in solution, and the biosensing capabilities of the device were tested by detecting bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our design enables a refractometer with a low limit of detection (1.24 × 10−4 refractive index units (RIU)), low variability (1 × 10−4 RIU), and high sensitivity (927.88 oscillations per RIU). This performance is comparable to state-of-the-art optofluidic refractometers that involve complex fabrication processes and/or expensive, bulky optics. The advantages of our device (i.e. simple fabrication process, straightforward optical equipment, low cost, and high detection sensitivity) make it a promising candidate for future mass-producible, inexpensive, highly sensitive, label-free optical detection systems.

Graphical abstract: A single-layer, planar, optofluidic Mach–Zehnder interferometer for label-free detection

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Dec 2010
Accepted
04 Mar 2011
First published
11 Apr 2011

Lab Chip, 2011,11, 1795-1800

A single-layer, planar, optofluidic Mach–Zehnder interferometer for label-free detection

M. I. Lapsley, I.-Kao Chiang, Y. B. Zheng, X. Ding, X. Mao and T. J. Huang, Lab Chip, 2011, 11, 1795 DOI: 10.1039/C0LC00707B

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