  Efficient capture and detection of minute amount of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) molecules are pivotal for an array of modern gene technologies which are
widely utilized in medical, forensic and defense applications, including DNA
extraction, preconcentration, and separation. In this work, we propose a
rational mechanism to substantially accelerate the capture and detection
efficiency of DNA molecules by actively motorizing designed Raman microsensors.
At least 4-fold enhancement has been achieved on the microsensors rotating at
1200 rpm. The process is monitored dynamically and in-situ from the biosilica
based microsensors, owing to the ultrasensitivity provided by the
opto-plasmonic enhancement. The fundamental working mechanism is investigated
systematically, and can be attributed to the Nernst diffusion layer thinning
effect induced by mechanical motions. This research initiated a new and
reliable approach for remarkably enhancing the capture and detection efficiency
of biomolecules, which could make far-reaching impact to biosensing, DNA
technologies, and microfluidic Total Analysis Systems.
