Pilot study of THz metamaterial-based biosensor for pharmacogenetic screening

Abstract

The introduction of terahertz (THz) metamaterial biosensor to trace biomarker that induces adverse drug reaction is an ideal thought to overcome drug hypersensitivity reaction. In this study, THz metamaterial-based biosensor was designed mainly for pharmacogenetic screening to study cell behaviour towards prescribed dosage of drugs. The biosensor was designed in COMSOL multiphysics based on resonance vibrational frequency and dielectric material property of the particular biomarkers. The difference in resonance frequency of with and without sample input to the biosensor explained the function-ability of the biosensor, whereas the resonant frequency of normal cells and biomarkers was used to trace targeted biomarkers. In addition, permittivity of the substrate was modified to enhance the biosensor sensitivity and variable of dielectric constant of normal versus biomarkers was analysed as further confirmation study to trace the targeted biomarker. Thus, this study highlighted that the THz metamaterial biosensor has great potential as portable healthcare device for rapid and accurate biomarker analysis as well as diagnosis.