Triangular gold nanoplates integrated microgel-based sensor for urinary tract infection and glucosuria detection

Abstract

A glucose-responsive photonic crystal integrated optical sensor that can detect glucosuria and urinary tract infection was designed by comprehensive numerical analysis. We showed a comparative study of nanoparticle shapes and materials and discussed the performance parameters of the sensor, such as the signal-to-noise ratio, the sensitivity, and the detection limit for various pH levels. Normally distributed nanoparticles were embedded within a functionalized microgel matrix in this proposed structure, and the theoretical study was conducted using the finite element method. Gold was selected as a photonic crystal material due to its nontoxicity and better sensing performance, and triangular-shaped nanoplates were chosen due to their better surface plasmon resonance performance. The sensor showed improved sensitivity of <85.65 nm/mM for pH 7.4, and <110.60 nm/mM for pH 8.0. It depicted a lower detection limit of >0.34 mM for pH 7.4 and >0.30 mM for pH 8.0 than those of previously reported glucose sensor studies. Moreover, the proposed glucose sensor exhibited a practicable signal-to-noise ratio and sensor resolution range. This label-free sensor manifested additional features such as reusability of the sensor, high sensing reversibility, and being readily usable at point-of-care medical facilities.