Size-selective analyte detection with a Young interferometer sensor using multiple wavelengths

We present a method to discriminate between analytes based on their size using multiple wavelengths in a Young interferometer. We measured the response of two wavelengths when adding 85 nm beads (representing specific binding), protein A (representing non-specific binding) and D-glucose (inducing a bulk change) to our sensor. Next, the measurements are analysed using a approach based on theoretical analysis, and a ratio-based analysis approach to discriminate between bulk changes and the binding of the different sized substances. Moreover, we were able to discriminate binding of 85 nm beads from binding of protein A (similar to 2 nm) in a blind experiment using the ratio-based approach. This can for example be used to discriminate specific analyte binding of larger particles from non-specific binding of smaller particles. Therefore, we believe that by adding size-selectivity we can strongly improve the performance of the Young interferometer sensor and integrated optical interferometric sensors in general.