title: Tapered plastic optical fiber-based biosensor--tests and application.
abstract: Cells detection is crucial in microbiological analysis of clinical, food, water or environmental samples. However, currently employed methods are time consuming. Plastic optical fiber (POF) biosensors consist in a viable alternative for rapid and inexpensive scheme for detection. In order to study the sensitivity of tapers for microbiological detection, geometric parameters are studied, such as the taper waist diameter since the formation of taper regions are the key sensing element in this particular type of sensors. In this study, a series of POF taper sensors were prepared using a specially developed tapering machine, and the dispersion of geometric dimensions is evaluated, aiming to achieve the best tapering characteristics which will provide a better sensitivity on the sensor response. The fiber tapers that presented the finest results were those constructed in U-shaped (bended) configurations, with taper waist diameters ranging from 0.40 mm up to 0.50 mm. These fiber tapers were used as the main section of the monitoring device, and when chemically treated as immunosensors for the detection of bacteria, yeast and erythrocytes.
authors: Photonics and Instrumentation Laboratory, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors: Carolina
authors: C
authors: Beres
authors: Fábio Vieira Batista
authors: FV
authors: de Nazaré
authors: Nathália Correa Chagas
authors: NC
authors: de Souza
authors: Marco Antônio Lemos
authors: MA
authors: Miguel
authors: Marcelo Martins
authors: MM
authors: Werneck
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000295:instrumentation*