Deterministic versus Stochastic Analysis of Competitive Adsorption in Equilibrium in Microfluidic Biosensors

Abstract

We investigate the stochastic sensor response in equilibrium, taking into account competitive adsorption and mass transfer of analyte particles in a microfluidic biosensor chamber. After presentation of the stochastic model, we perform the analysis of the equilibrium response expected value as a function of the sensing area and the competitor molecules concentrations. By comparison with the deterministic value of the sensor response, the limits of applicability of the deterministic approach are investigated. The results of the presented analysis enable better interpretation of measurement results obtained by using sensors with micro/nanoscale sensing surface, as well as optimization of their design and operating conditions.