This work describes the functionalization and testing of Si$_3$N$_4$-based photonic crystal slabs (PCS) for label-free biosensing. PCS support optical resonance modes that are sensitive to the local refractive index. Knowing that surface binding events change the local RI, analyte binding to the activated sensor can be detected.
Various functionalization recipes were tried, and one was preferred for the biosensing experiments due to its higher yield and uniformity. Additionally, thickness of the topmost sensor layer was studied to assess biosensor performance quantified through sensitivity metrics.
On the systems level, a reusable clamping system and customized microfluidic channels were designed, fabricated, and implemented on the PCS biosensors to enable device refurbishment.
Proof-of-principle biodetection experiments were carried out using the established functionalization protocol on the in-house fabricated PCS. Conjugation of streptavidin and bovine serum albumin to the sensor surface was observed through wavelength shifts of the resonant modes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/35579 |
| Date | 11 July 2013 |
| Creators | Aydin, Deniz |
| Contributors | Levi, Ofer |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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