Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection

This work presents the theoretical design and optimization of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor incorporating graphene, silicon nitride, and a thiol-tethered ssDNA layer for malaria detection and stage differentiation. Two configurations (Sys3 and Sys4) were simulated using the transfer ma...

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Main Authors: Talia Tene, Fabian Arias Arias, Karina I. Paredes-Páliz, Juan Carlos González García, Nataly Bonilla García, Cristian Vacacela Gomez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1580344/full
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author Talia Tene
Fabian Arias Arias
Karina I. Paredes-Páliz
Juan Carlos González García
Nataly Bonilla García
Cristian Vacacela Gomez
author_facet Talia Tene
Fabian Arias Arias
Karina I. Paredes-Páliz
Juan Carlos González García
Nataly Bonilla García
Cristian Vacacela Gomez
author_sort Talia Tene
collection DOAJ
description This work presents the theoretical design and optimization of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor incorporating graphene, silicon nitride, and a thiol-tethered ssDNA layer for malaria detection and stage differentiation. Two configurations (Sys3 and Sys4) were simulated using the transfer matrix method to determine optimal material thicknesses. The final designs were evaluated against three malaria stages—ring, trophozoite, and schizont—based on their refractive index variations. Sys3 achieved sensitivities of 353.14, 291.14, and 263.26°/RIU, while Sys4 reached 315.71, 294.81, and 268.65°/RIU, respectively. These values exceed those reported in comparable SPR platforms. Sys3 showed enhanced optical performance with a higher quality factor and lower detection limit, whereas Sys4 offered improved biomolecular recognition. Although limited to simulation, the proposed configurations demonstrate potential for label-free, stage-specific malaria diagnostics, supporting future development toward point-of-care applications.
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language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
spelling doaj-art-8a96be5d3e2f476ba08e032a8e9567c72025-08-20T03:11:57ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology2296-41852025-06-011310.3389/fbioe.2025.15803441580344Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detectionTalia Tene0Fabian Arias Arias1Karina I. Paredes-Páliz2Juan Carlos González García3Nataly Bonilla García4Cristian Vacacela Gomez5Department of Chemistry, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja, EcuadorDepartment of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, ItalyGrupo de Investigación en Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, EcuadorFacultad de Ciencias, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Riobamba, EcuadorFacultad de Ciencias, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Riobamba, EcuadorINFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, ItalyThis work presents the theoretical design and optimization of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor incorporating graphene, silicon nitride, and a thiol-tethered ssDNA layer for malaria detection and stage differentiation. Two configurations (Sys3 and Sys4) were simulated using the transfer matrix method to determine optimal material thicknesses. The final designs were evaluated against three malaria stages—ring, trophozoite, and schizont—based on their refractive index variations. Sys3 achieved sensitivities of 353.14, 291.14, and 263.26°/RIU, while Sys4 reached 315.71, 294.81, and 268.65°/RIU, respectively. These values exceed those reported in comparable SPR platforms. Sys3 showed enhanced optical performance with a higher quality factor and lower detection limit, whereas Sys4 offered improved biomolecular recognition. Although limited to simulation, the proposed configurations demonstrate potential for label-free, stage-specific malaria diagnostics, supporting future development toward point-of-care applications.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1580344/fullsurface plasmon resonancekretschmann configurationtransfer matrix methodsilicon nitridegraphenebiosensors
spellingShingle Talia Tene
Fabian Arias Arias
Karina I. Paredes-Páliz
Juan Carlos González García
Nataly Bonilla García
Cristian Vacacela Gomez
Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
surface plasmon resonance
kretschmann configuration
transfer matrix method
silicon nitride
graphene
biosensors
title Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection
title_full Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection
title_fullStr Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection
title_full_unstemmed Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection
title_short Design and simulation of a graphene-integrated SPR biosensor for malaria detection
title_sort design and simulation of a graphene integrated spr biosensor for malaria detection
topic surface plasmon resonance
kretschmann configuration
transfer matrix method
silicon nitride
graphene
biosensors
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1580344/full
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AT juancarlosgonzalezgarcia designandsimulationofagrapheneintegratedsprbiosensorformalariadetection
AT natalybonillagarcia designandsimulationofagrapheneintegratedsprbiosensorformalariadetection
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