Metamaterial inspired periodic structure used for microfluidic sensing

A novel metamaterial inspired resonating structure coupled with a microfluidic channel has been evaluated for sensing applications in the microwave frequency range. The structure is based on an open split ring resonator (OSRR) design, was simulated in a finite element analysis tool (Ansys HFSS^®) and tested using a Vector Network Analyzer to detect changes in resonant frequency, amplitude, and phase due to dielectric loading from different chemicals in the microfluidic channel. The sensor was tested as a single unit cell, in a three cell aperiodic array and as an array of three different frequencies. Different concentrations of water-isopropanol (IPA) and watermethanol were used to characterize the sensor. Additionally, a biosensor application was demonstrated in detecting glucose-d concentration in deionized water.