GaAs-Based Nanostructured Emitters for Monitoring Surface Immobilized Molecules

Nanoengineered III–V semiconductor heterostructures provide conditions potentially attractive for photonic detection of electric charge carrying adsorbates. The principle of this approach is based on monitoring the photoluminescence effect that is known to be sensitive to the surface states of the semiconductor material. I will review the results of experiments we have carried out to explore the photoluminescence effect of GaAs/AlGaAs microstructures for detection of bacteria and viruses immobilized on their surfaces. To this end, by employing optimized antibody binding architectures, we have already demonstrated detection of Escherichia coli bacteria at 10³ CFU/mL. The goal of our research is to significantly improve on the limit of this detection. I will discus the perspectives of achieving this goal and developing a technology of devices for automated detection of bacteria.