Optofluidic photonic crystal fiber platform for sensitive and reliable fluorescence based biosensing

Area of Science:

• Optofluidics
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Fluorescence biosensing is crucial for medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
• Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) enable optofluidic devices for efficient light-liquid interactions.
• Existing methods require complex hardware and can lack sensitivity or repeatability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly optofluidic-fiber platform for sensitive and repeatable fluorescence biosensing.
• To enhance fluorescence emission sensitivity and improve measurement repeatability.
• To demonstrate the platform's utility in detecting disease biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Development of an optofluidic-fiber platform utilizing photonic crystal fibers.
• Characterization of fluorescence emission sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) for Cy5 fluorophore.
• Application of the platform for detecting haptoglobin protein using Cy5-labeled antibodies.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 17-fold improvement in fluorescence emission sensitivity compared to standard cuvette measurements.
• Established a limit of detection for Cy5 fluorophore as low as 100 pM.
• Demonstrated high measurement repeatability for detecting the haptoglobin biomarker.

Conclusions:

• The developed optofluidic-fiber platform offers a robust, sensitive, and repeatable solution for fluorescence biosensing.
• The platform's simple hardware requirements and enhanced performance make it suitable for various diagnostic and monitoring applications.
• Optofluidic fibers provide significant advantages for light-liquid interaction in biosensing applications.