In this article, we discuss the creation of a photonic biosensor device as an additional diagnostic tool for cancer treatment monitoring. To get around detection reliability, sensitivity, specificity, compactness and cost concerns, the suggested device incorporates multidisciplinary principles from the reader/packaging, nano-biochemical, micro-fluidic and photonic platforms. The sensing is done by measuring the phase shift of the output signal, produced by the binding of the analyte on the functionalized aMZI surface and the photonic sensor is based on an array of six asymmetric Mach Zender Interferometer (aMZI) waveguides on silicon nitride substrates. The waveguides' morphological design results in an improved sensitivity (5000 nm/RIU) in compared to earlier technologies. By combining this platform with a cutting-edge biofunctionalization technique that uses material-selective surface chemistries and high-resolution laser printing of biomaterials, an integrated photonics biosensor device that makes use of disposable microfluidics cartridges is created. Blood serum samples from cancer patients are used to test the device. The device is used to identify two circulating biomarkers, periostin (POSTN) and transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBI), which are overexpressed by cancer stem cells.
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