Recent Progress in Functional-Nucleic-Acid-Based Fluorescent Fiber-Optic Evanescent Wave Biosensors

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Biosensors for onsite, continuous detection of pollutants and biomarkers are crucial but few meet all desired '2-SAR' (sensitivity, specificity, affordability, automation, rapidity, reusability) requirements.
• Fiber optic evanescent wave (FOEW) sensors offer a promising portable solution with high sensitivity, low cost, reusability, and stability.
• Functional nucleic acids (FNAs), including aptamers and DNAzymes, serve as effective recognition elements in FOEW biosensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in fluorescent FNA-based FOEW biosensors since 1995.
• To focus on chemical modifications of optical fibers and sensing mechanisms for diverse targets.
• To discuss challenges and future trends for improved biosensor performance.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on fluorescent FNA-based FOEW biosensors.
• Analysis of chemical modification strategies for optical fibers.
• Examination of sensing mechanisms for small molecules, metal ions, proteins, nucleic acids, and pathogens.

Main Results:

• FOEW biosensors with FNAs have been successfully developed for detecting a wide range of targets.
• Progress in optical fiber modification and FNA integration has enhanced sensor capabilities.
• The review covers various FNA types and their application in FOEW sensing platforms.

Conclusions:

• Fluorescent FNA-based FOEW biosensors are versatile tools for onsite and continuous monitoring.
• Future development should focus on aptamer isolation, reagent-free detection, long-term stability, and high throughput.
• These advancements will drive the development of next-generation biosensors for environmental and food safety applications.