Advances in portable fiber optic-based aptasensors for on-site detection: design, evolution, and application

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional analytical methods require bulky laboratory instruments, limiting on-site testing.
• Portable devices and point-of-care testing (POCT) are emerging as crucial alternatives.
• Fiber optic (FO) aptasensors offer miniaturization, high sensitivity, and specificity for on-site detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the design strategies, evolution, and applications of FO-based aptasensors.
• To discuss the opportunities and challenges of FO aptasensors for on-site detection.
• To highlight the significance of FO aptasensors and promote their transition from lab to practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of novel micro/nano-structured FO probes (e.g., TFBG, LPG, microfiber).
• Integration of aptamers for specific target recognition.
• Development of various FO-based aptasensor platforms (e.g., evanescent wave, fluorescent, LSPR, interferometer).

Main Results:

• FO aptasensors demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for various analytes.
• Successful applications in clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
• Advancements in FO probe structures and aptamer design enhance sensor performance.

Conclusions:

• FO-based aptasensors are promising for sensitive and specific on-site detection.
• Further development is needed to overcome challenges and facilitate practical application.
• These sensors hold significant potential for revolutionizing POCT and field analysis.