In this work, we present a study of the Sensitivity (S) and Limit of Detection (LOD) of microring based photonic biosensors as a function of the waveguide composition and dimensions. The target is Aflatoxin, which is a toxin of major concern for south Europe dairy industry. The sensing device is based on an array of multiple SiON microring resonators, fiber-coupled to both an 850nm VCSEL and a silicon photodetectors, packaged with a microfluidic circuit. Volumetric sensing with glucose–water solutions of various concentrations yields a best sensitivity of 112nm/RIU. To link these results to the Limit of Detection of the sensors, we also measured the noise of our experimental readout system and then calculated the LOD of our sensors. We found a best value of LOD of 1.6×10−6RIU (referred to volumetric sensing). Finally, we detected Aflatoxin in solutions of various concentrations (down to 1.58nM) by functionalized sensors. The functionalization is based on a wet silanization and specific DNA-aptamer binding on the chip. Reproducibility and re-usability of the sensor are investigated by several chemical treatments. Optimum procedure allows multiple sequential measurements with a good endurance. This work was supported by the FP7 EU project “Symphony” (Grant agreement no.: 610580)

In this work, we present a study of Aflatoxin M1 detection by photonic biosensors based on Si₃N₄ Asymmetric Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (aMZI) functionalized with antibodies fragments (Fab′). We measured a best volumetric sensitivity of 10⁴ rad/RIU, leading to a Limit of Detection below 5 × 10⁻⁷ RIU. On sensors functionalized with Fab′, we performed specific and non-specific sensing measurements at various toxin concentrations. Reproducibility of the measurements and re-usability of the sensor were also investigated.

In this paper, we report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of a photonic circuit for biosensing applications. Silicon oxynitride with a bulk refractive index of 1.66 is the core-layer material. The photonic circuit is optimized for a wavelength of ~850 nm, which allows on-chip integration of the light source via cost effective vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and of the detector by using standard silicon photodetectors. Design as well as fabrication processes are explained in details. The best characteristics for the single optical components in the photonic circuit are: for single-mode channel waveguides with dimensions of 350 nm × 950 nm; propagation losses of 0.8 dB/cm; bending losses of 0.1 dB/90°-bend (radius of curvature 100 μm); 49/51 splitting ratio for 3-dB power splitters (directional couplers); quality factors up to 1.3 × 10 ⁵ for microring resonators. Volumetric sensing yields a bulk sensitivity of 80 nm/RIU and a limit of detection of 3 × 10 ^-6 RIU. Therefore, SiON-based photonic circuits represent a reliable material platform for biosensing in the short-wave near infrared region.

In this article, we designed and studied silicon oxynitride (SiON) microring-based photonic structures for biosensing applications. We designed waveguides, directional couplers, and racetrack resonators in order to measure refractive index changes smaller than 10⁻⁶ refractive index units (RIU). We tested various samples with different SiON refractive indexes as well as the waveguide dimensions for selecting the sensor with the best performance. Propagation losses and bending losses have been measured on test structures, along with a complete characterization of the resonator’s performances. Sensitivities and limit of detection (LOD) were also measured using glucose-water solutions and compared with expected results from simulations. Finally, we functionalized the resonator and performed sensing experiments with Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). We were able to detect the binding of aflatoxin for concentrations as low as 12.5 nm. The results open up the path for designing cost-effective biosensors for a fast and reliable sensitive analysis of AFM1 in milk.

Aflatoxins (AF) are naturally occurring mycotoxins, produced by many species of Aspergillus. Among aflatoxins, Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is one of the most frequent and dangerous for human health. The acceptable maximum level of AFM1 in milk according to EU regulation is 50 ppt, equivalent to 152 pM, and 25 ppt, equivalent to 76 pM, for adults and infants, respectively. Here, we study a photonic biosensor based on Si ${}_3$ N ${}_4$ asymmetric Mach–Zehnder Interferometers (aMZI) functionalized with Fab’ for AFM1 detection in milk samples (eluates). The minimum concentration of AFM1 detected by our aMZI sensors is 48 pM (16.8 pg/mL) in purified and concentrated milk samples. Moreover, the real-time detection of the ligand-analyte binding enables the study of the kinetics of the reaction. We measured the kinetic rate constants of the Fab’-AFM1 interaction.

Silicon oxynitride (SiON) microring resonators are used to develop a biosensor device to detect Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogenic mycotoxin present in milk. Two different surface functionalization strategies are tested to realize an affinity biosensing device. Both strategies are based on the formation of a silane surface layer able to bind either specific DNA-aptamers or antigen binding fragments (Fab'). The sensing device consists of an array of four SiON microring resonators, fiber-coupled to a vertical cavity surface emitting laser operating at 850 nm. Detection is realized with off-chip silicon photodetectors. With both functionalizations, we demonstrate a specific detection of AFM1 in buffer, while the nonspecific detection of Ochratoxin is not occurring. Repeatability and reproducibility of both functionalization strategies are discussed.