High specificity THz metamaterial-based biosensor for label-free transcription factor detection in melanoma diagnostics

oleh: Merle Richter, Yannik Loth, Anna Katharina Wigger, Daniela Nordhoff, Nicole Rachinger, Christian Weisenstein, Anja Katrin Bosserhoff, Peter Haring BolĂ­var

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Nature Portfolio 2023-11-01

Deskripsi

Abstract In this work, we present a promising diagnostic tool for melanoma diagnosis. With the proposed terahertz biosensor, it was possible to selectively and sensitively detect the early growth response protein 2, a transcription factor with an increased activity in melanoma cells, from a complex sample of cellular proteins. Fundamentally, the sensor belongs to the frequency selective surface type metamaterials and consists of a two-dimensional array of asymmetrically, doubly split ring resonator unit cells. The single elements are slits in a metallic layer and are complemented by an undercut etch. This allows a selective functionalization of the active area of the sensor and increases the sensitivity towards the target analyte. Hereby, specific detection of a defined transcription factor is feasible.