Cholesteric nanostructure biosensors on flexible paper fibres for disease detection through label-free techniques and image analysis

ABSTRACT

We have achieved a successful synthesis of a label-free, flexible, portable, and colour-indicating biosensor using cholesteric nanostructure liquid crystals (LCs), commonly referred to as cholesteric LCs (CLCs), on paper fibres. This innovative approach holds significant promise for rapid screening in precision medicine and other applications. We incorporated optically active nematic LCs in various configurations within CLCs, allowing them to rotate along different axes. When exposed to light, these LCs reflected light at specific wavelengths. By employing polarised optical microscopy and a charged couple device (CCD), we conducted titration experiments with bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the paper substrate and quantified protein concentrations based on the observed colour shifts. Utilising internal Python pixel analysis software, we evaluated the red, green, and blue colour components, which served as biomarkers for different BSA concentrations. Our results demonstrated a linear correlation between BSA concentration and colour variations. This CLC-based paper-substrate biosensor exhibits the potential to efficiently screen a large number of samples, thereby enhancing the diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings. Combining the colour-indicating and quantifiable attributes of CLCs with the affordability and portability of paper substrates, we have developed a versatile biosensor. Its ease of use, rapid response, and high sensitivity make it a promising tool for future disease detection endeavours.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Biosensor
• label-free
• liquid crystal
• texture fiber

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research work was financially supported by grants from Taipei Medical University–Taipei Medical University Hospital [111TMU-TMUH-01-3] and Taipei Medical University–Wan Fang Hospital under grant no. [112TMU-WFH-28] and Shuang Ho Hospital, Taiwan [111FRP-06].