Achieving Highly Sensitive In Situ Detection of Trace Starch with a Hydrogel-Functionalized MZI Optical Fiber...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Trace starch residues in food industry wastewater pose risks of cross-contamination and eutrophication.
• Accurate detection of starch is crucial for maintaining food safety and environmental standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a label-free optical fiber biosensor for high-sensitivity, specific, in situ detection of starch.
• To provide an effective solution for monitoring starch residues in food processing applications.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a Multimode-No-core-Multimode (MNM) optical fiber structure.
• Functionalized the sensor with a hydrogel layer and immobilized α-amylase using glutaraldehyde-CS cross-linking for specific starch recognition.
• Utilized optical detection for label-free analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved a linear detection range of 0-7 mg/mL for starch.
• Demonstrated high sensitivity of 3.74 nm/(mg/mL) and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.034 mg/mL.
• Successfully realized label-free, sensitive, and specific detection of trace starch levels.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optical fiber biosensor effectively detects trace starch residues in real-time.
• This technology offers a promising solution for in situ monitoring in food processing, enhancing safety and environmental protection.