Fiber Light-Coupled Optofluidic Waveguide (FLOW) Immunosensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of p53 Protein

Highly sensitive detection of molecular tumor markers is essential for biomarker-based cancer diagnostics. In this work, we showcase the implementation of fiber light-coupled optofluidic waveguide (FLOW) immunosensor for the detection of p53 protein, a typical tumor marker. The FLOW consists of a liquid-core capillary and an accompanying optical fiber, which allows evanescent interaction between light and microfluidic sample. Molecular binding at internal surface of the capillary induces a response in wavelength shift of the transmission spectrum in the optical fiber. To enable highly sensitive molecular detection, the evanescent-wave interaction has been strengthened by enlarging shape factor R via fine geometry control. The proposed FLOW immunosensor works with flowing microfluid, which increases the surface molecular coverage and improves the detection limit. As a result, the FLOW immunosensor presents a log–linear response to the tumor protein at concentrations ranging from 10 fg/mL up to 10 ng/mL. In addition, the nonspecifically adsorbed molecules can be effectively removed by the fluid at an optimal flow rate, which benefits the accuracy of the measurement. Tested in serum samples, the FLOW successfully maintains its sensitivity and specificity on p53 protein, making it suitable for diagnostics applications.