Work

Black Phosphorous-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Malaria Diagnosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a black phosphorus-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for malaria detection, integrating silicon nitride (Si3N4) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to enhance sensitivity and molecular recognition. The biosensor configurations were optimized through numerical simulations, evaluating metal thickness, dielectric layer thickness, and the number of black phosphorus layers to achieve maximum performance. The optimized system (Opt-Sys4) exhibited high sensitivity (464.4°/RIU for early-stage malaria) and improved detection accuracy, outperforming conventional SPR sensors. Performance was assessed across malaria progression stages, demonstrating a clear resonance shift, increased attenuation, and enhanced biomolecular interactions. Key metrics, including the figure of merit, limit of detection, and comprehensive sensitivity factor, confirmed the sensor’s superior performance. Comparative analysis against state-of-the-art SPR biosensors further validated their capability for highly sensitive and specific malaria detection. These findings establish a promising plasmonic biosensing platform for early malaria diagnosis, potentially improving disease management in resource-limited settings.

Source: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s25072068

Authors: Talia Tene, Yesenia Cevallos, Paola Gabriela Vinueza-Naranjo, Deysi Inca, Cristian Vacacela Gomez

Institutions: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Universidad de Las Américas, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati

Language: English

Topic: Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137