This review describes recently emerging optical and microfluidic technologies suitable for point-of-care genetic analysis systems. Such systems must rapidly detect hundreds of mutations from biological samples with low DNA concentration. We review optical technologies delivering multiplex sensitivity and compatible with lab-on-chip integration for both tagged and non-tagged optical detection, identifying significant source and detector technology emerging from telecommunications technology. We highlight the potential for improved hybridization efficiency through careful microfluidic design and outline some novel enhancement approaches using target molecule confinement. Optimization of fluidic parameters such as flow rate, channel height and time facilitates enhanced hybridization efficiency and consequently detection performance as compared with conventional assay formats (e.g. microwell plates). We highlight lab-on-chip implementations with integrated microfluidic control for "sample-to-answer" systems where molecular biology protocols to realize detection of target DNA sequences from whole blood are required. We also review relevant technology approaches to optofluidic integration, and highlight the issue of biomolecule compatibility. Key areas in the development of an integrated optofluidic system for DNA hybridization are optical/fluidic integration and the impact on biomolecules immobilized within the system. A wide range of technology platforms have been advanced for detection, quantification and other forms of characterization of a range of biomolecules (e.g. RNA, DNA, protein and whole cell). Owing to the very different requirements for sample preparation, manipulation and detection of the different types of biomolecules, this review is focused primarily on DNA-DNA interactions in the context of point-of-care analysis systems.
Type of publicationArticle (peer-reviewed)
Link to publisher's versionhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b04017Access to the full text of the published version may require a subscription.
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In recent years titanium nitride is being considered as a very promising
plasmonic material for data storage applications as it exhibits a pronounced
plasmonic dipolar resonance and has high thermal stability. However, there is a
lack of research where higher order resonance modes are examined. We address
this here by performing angle dependent spectral transmission measurements
nanodisks arrays made from titanium nitride. The measurements show strong
polarization dependence with s-polarized light causing excitation of the
quadrupole and higher order resonance plasmonic modes. These higher order modes
are required for the state-of-the-art designs of near-field transducers. This,
together with its outstanding thermal properties, makes TiN a favourable
material for data storage applications.
Transition metal nitrides are promising alternative plasmonic materials to noble metals for data storage applications as they exhibit localized surface plasmon resonances and have high melting temperatures. Here, angle dependent spectral measurements of the plasmonic resonances of nanodisk arrays made from titanium nitride are examined. Polarized light is used to excite the quadrupole and higher order resonance plasmonic modes which are required in the state-of-the-art designs of near-field transducers used in plasmonic enhanced magnetic recording. Numerical simulations compare the energy distribution and absorption efficiencies for different sized Au and Ti nanodisks. A high electric field enhancement is calculated at the termination of a lollipop plasmonic transducer made of titanium nitride which is shifted to longer wavelengths when compared with an Au transducer of the same dimensions. This, together with its outstanding material properties makes TiN a favourable material for data storage applications.
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