High-sensitivity terahertz metasurface biosensor for label-free malaria detection using hybrid graphene–copper architecture
Source abstract
Abstract
Malaria continues to pose a major global health threat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, necessitating rapid and accurate diagnostic solutions. Conventional methods such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests are limited by sensitivity, specificity, and accessibility. This study proposes a terahertz metasurface biosensor for label-free malaria detection, integrating hybrid graphene–copper architecture. Finite element simulations reveal high sensitivity (1000 GHz/RIU) across a refractive index range of 1.373–1.402 RIU, with multiple resonance modes spanning 0.4–0.85 THz, a minimum detection limit of 0.289, and a FWHM of 190 GHz. Sensor performance was further optimized by tuning graphene’s chemical potential, incident angle, and resonator geometry. A stacking ensemble machine learning model accurately predicted sensor responses, achieving up to 100% accuracy in classification tasks. The demonstrated binary encoding potential highlights applicability in multiplexed sensing and secure medical data encryption. Overall, the proposed sensor offers a compact, high-performance platform for rapid, non-invasive malaria diagnostics.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research · Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques · Terahertz technology and applications
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Optics and Optical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China 1 , Hefei 230026,
INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati 2 , Vie. E. Fermi 54, 00044 Frascati,
Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Ha’il 3 , P.O. Box 2440, Ha’il,
Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University 4 , P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671,
5 Geosciences Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
6 Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
Photonic and Phononic Crystals Lab, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University 7 , Beni-Suef 62512,
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, National University Of Science and Technology 8 , Muscat,
Funding
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
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