Bloch surface wave label-free and fluorescence platform for the detection of VEGF biomarker in biological matrices

tWe report on the detection of an angiogenic molecule Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in dif-ferent biological matrices by means of a new integrated biosensing platform exploiting the propertiesof Bloch surface waves. The new platform takes advantage of a tandem configuration, in which bothlabel-free and enhanced fluorescence detection are implemented. Specifically designed one dimensionalphotonic crystals were deposited directly on disposable and low cost plastic biochips. A direct sandwichimmunoassay was used to detect VEGF in buffer, cell culture supernatant and human plasma at low con-centration (ng/mL). The platform enabled the detection of VEGF in all three matrices with high resolution,fast turnaround time (30 min) and in close agreement with the results of enzyme linked immunosorbentassays.