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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
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A Silicon-tipped Fiber-optic Sensing Platform with High Resolution and Fast Response
Published on: January 7, 2019
Spatial-Photonic Encoding on a Single Fiber: Breaking the Bottleneck in Photoelectrochemical Biosensing for Precision
Huiyu Zou1,2, Erkang Bian1, Xuhong Zuo1
1Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel dual-zone optical fiber photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for simultaneous biomarker detection. This innovative Zonal@OF-PEC sensor enables sensitive, spatially resolved quantification of multiple analytes for precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Conventional photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors face limitations due to external light sources and rigid electrode designs.
- Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers is crucial for comprehensive diagnostics and precision medicine.
- Existing methods often lack spatial resolution and are prone to cross-talk interference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel light-encoded, dual-zone, single optical fiber (Zonal@OF)-based PEC microelectrode.
- To enable simultaneous and spatially resolved quantification of multiple biomarkers.
- To overcome limitations of conventional PEC biosensors for improved clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Precisely etching a single optical fiber to create two independent sensing zones (Zone I and Zone II).
- Functionalizing each zone with gold nanoparticles, zone-specific light-harvesting materials (BiOI nanoflakes, methylene blue), and target-specific aptamers (NT-proBNP, cTnI).
- Utilizing wavelength-resolved operation (450 nm and 650 nm) for distinct, noninterfering PEC signal generation.
Main Results:
- Achieved simultaneous, cross-talk-free detection of NT-proBNP and cTnI using the Zonal@OF-PEC sensor.
- Demonstrated high sensitivity at the picogram per milliliter (pg mL⁻¹) level and excellent specificity.
- Successfully implemented spatial-photonic encoding on a single optical fiber for multiplexed sensing.
Conclusions:
- The Zonal@OF-PEC sensor offers a promising platform for real-time, multianalyte tracking.
- The self-guided illumination and miniaturized design facilitate potential clinical translation.
- This technology addresses a critical need for advanced biosensing in precision medicine.
