Supersensitive and Tunable Nano-Biosensor for Cancer Detection

In the present paper, we aim to report a simple, highly sensitive, and compact footprint biosensor for cancer detection based on metamaterial containing structure utilizing theoretical model. This model includes of array of split ring resonators on a dielectric substrate. The proposed structure is simulated using three-dimensional finite-element method. To achieve the appropriate operation, the effects of the physical properties including dielectric material, and different cells on the performance of the proposed sensor are considered. For this purpose, three types of dielectrics, including silicon dioxide (SiO
₂
), titanium dioxide (TiO
₂
), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrates have been used to evaluate the biosensor. Calculated sensitivity values for SiO
₂
, TiO
₂
, and the PMMA are 658, 653, and 633, respectively, while the figure of merit for these three sub-layers are 258, 2431, and 225. According to the simulation results, when the refractive index of a sub-layer is closer to the refractive index of the samples, the sensor is more sensitive. Also, due to the nanometer size of SSRs, it is easy to detect nanometer-sized specimens. The biosensor has a very high resolution so that the capability of measurement and the detection of cancer cells are enhanced.