Bio-Sensing with Compact Discs and Nanofibers

This paper describes a novel, high-sensitive detection system for biomolecules such as DNAs and proteins utilizing optical compact discs (CDs) and unique bio-nanofibers; bacterial cellulose (BC). The new method comprises a microchannel containing CD grating that confines fragments of three-dimensional structure of BC, which has nanometer scale fibrils and holes. A maximum of six times higher light-amplification to detect DNA was obtained with this CD and BC system compared to a conventional method. An effective light-confining effect was designed utilizing diffraction, reflection, refraction, light-scattering, and transmittance effects derived from BC or CD.