Optimization of a ternary photonic crystal biosensor for enhanced chikungunya virus detection

Abstract

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by mosquitos, induces severe symptoms such as joint pain, headaches, and exhaustion, necessitating swift diagnosis and intervention. In this investigation, the transfer matrix method is employed to enhance virus detection using a ternary photonic crystal (PC) biosensor across normal and infected blood constituents-plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and uric acid. These components possess distinctive refractive indices crucial for the biosensor's selective CHIKV detection. A peak sensitivity of 800 nm∕RIU at N ¼ 4 is achieved by analyzing PC transmittance spectrum curves in the presence of diverse blood elements to emulate real-world conditions. Optimal average sensitivity at 1037.5 nm∕RIU is observed at incidence angles of 30 deg, 55 deg, and 80 deg, with 30 deg yielding the highest quality factor of 1015.94. This PC-based biosensor exhibits promise for compact, highly sensitive, and precise virus detection, potentially advancing viral detection biosensor technology and enhancing diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.