Fiber-optic Biosensor
Lukasz Szczepanski @ Lukasz Szczepanski
Fiber optic-derived analytical device using optical fields to measure biological species, including cells, proteins, and DNA. The fiber optic sensor emits a beam of light, and as the light passes through matter, the interaction may cause reflection, absorption, scattering, dispersion, or alteration in other ways. By measuring these altered states, it is possible to study the shape, spectrum, and magnitude of the remaining light beam in real-time, enabling users to determine the matter's inherent properties. Due to the material's geometric flexibility and small size, miniaturization is possible for point-of-care testing.
Though mainly applied for clinical use, this technology can help detect hazardous substances to human health. The sensors can recognize pathogens, pesticides, and drug residues while helping with hygiene monitoring and detecting heavy metals and other toxic substances found in food. With the help of this tool, consumers, manufacturers, producers, farmers, and retailers would be able to check if any fresh produce or food goods are safe for consumption, consequently increasing products' quality.