Integrated Confocal Nanofluidic SERS for Proteomics

We propose a novel, portable, integrated confocal nanofluidic SERS for proteomics. It will combine the high-resolution confocal detection with the localized nanofluidic biochemical detection via Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The stand-alone device comprises a 2D nanofluidic protein chip, scanning microlenses for confocal imaging, and a microspectrometer for Raman analysis. The integrated Raman-confocal analysis system combines three developing technologies: first, on-chip MEMS-based characterization tools for high resolution spectroscopic analysis; second, integrated scanning of microlenses for confocal detection; third, the integration of a nanofluidic delivery array with active optical components towards ultimate bioassay analysis. Our hybrid system will be the first stand-alone microsystem for onsite biochemical analysis for applications in ultra-low concentration detection and imaging fo biological specimens. The integrated Raman-confocal microsystem will replace expensive, large, stationary systems as well as reduce analysis time. It will provide a platform for the development of portable sensing devices in the future.