title: Label-free bioaffinity detection using terahertz technology.
abstract: We report the first use of differential terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for bioaffinity sensing. Binding is observed by measuring the transmission of a thin layer of biotin bound to the sensor protein avidin. We demonstrate the THz wave transmission of a sub-micron-thick film and sensitivity to 0.1 microg cm(-2) of biotin. These results point the way for a host of biosensor applications using T-rays, or pulsed far-infrared (FIR) radiation.
authors.affiliation: Center for Terahertz Research, Department of Physics, Applied Physics & Astronomy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY 12180, USA.
authors.forename: Samuel P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Mickan
authors.forename: Abdellah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menikh
authors.forename: Haibo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Carmen A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mannella
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: MacColl
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: Jesper
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Munch
authors.forename: X C
authors.initials: XC
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000345:Affinity Labels; D001360:Avidin / Q000737:chemistry*; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001710:Biotin / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008872:Microwaves; D011485:Protein Binding; D012031:Refractometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000345:Affinity Labels; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D001360:Avidin; D001710:Biotin