A hybrid Cu-dielectric-graphene SPR biosensor with enhanced sensitivity for HIV DNA detection
摘要
This study presents a highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The biosensor consists of a BK7 prism-based multilayer architecture insisting a copper (Cu) as the plasmonic metal, TeO2 and ZnO as dielectric layers, and graphene as a two-dimensional nanomaterial enhancement layer. The sensor response is theoretically analysed using prism-coupled angular interrogation method at a wavelength of 633 nm on MATLAB simulation tool. The optimized configuration follows BK7/Cu/Graphene/TeO2/ZnO/SM which achieves a higher sensitivity of about 350.40°/RIU, a quality factor (QF) of 87.53 (1/RIU), and a detection accuracy (DA) of 0.2498 (1/deg.), demonstrating its capability for precise HIV DNA detection. The strategic incorporation of TeO2 and ZnO as dielectric layers, combined with the superior optical and electronic properties of graphene, significantly enhances the plasmonic field confinement and sensing performance. The proposed design introduces a novel hybrid multilayer approach that outperforms many contemporary SPR biosensors, establishing its potential for early, accurate, and reliable viral diagnostics as possible for good health and well-being of the society.