Optical fibre-based detection of DNA hybridization

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optoelectronics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Label-free biosensing is crucial for real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions.
• Optical fiber gratings offer a sensitive platform for biosensing applications.
• Existing methods for DNA hybridization detection often require fluorescent labeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel dual-peak long-period fiber grating (LPFG) biosensor for label-free DNA hybridization detection.
• To demonstrate the real-time sensing capability and reusability of the LPFG biosensor.
• To explore the potential of fiber gratings as versatile biosensors for various biomolecular interactions.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of one DNA strand onto an optical fiber inscribed with a dual-peak LPFG.
• Real-time monitoring of DNA hybridization with the non-fluorescently labeled complementary strand in solution.
• Stripping and re-testing of the LPFG biosensor to assess reusability.

Main Results:

• Successful real-time detection of DNA hybridization over a 1-hour period.
• Demonstration of the LPFG biosensor's reusability after stripping and re-testing.
• Achieved label-free detection without the need for fluorescent or other labels on DNA strands.

Conclusions:

• Dual-peak LPFG biosensors are effective for label-free, real-time DNA hybridization detection.
• The developed LPFG biosensor exhibits excellent reusability, making it a cost-effective sensing solution.
• Fiber grating technology holds significant potential for advancing biosensing platforms for nucleic acid and other biomolecular interactions.