Nanostructured waveguides for evanescent wave biosensors

Nanostructuring waveguides by means of block-copolymer assisted lithography has as effect an increase in the total surface area. The non-specific adsorption of proteins on the nanostructured surfaces was monitored by wavelength-interrogated optical sensing and an increase in the sensitivity of the detection as compared to flat chips was observed. A model of the adsorption process confirmed the obtained experimental results and allowed the design of experimental approaches through which the detection sensitivity can be further improved.