title: Enzyme activity assays within microstructured optical fibers enabled by automated alignment.
abstract: A fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay has been demonstrated within a small-core microstructured optical fiber (MOF) for the first time. To achieve this, a reflection-based automated alignment system has been developed, which uses feedback and piezoelectric actuators to maintain optical alignment. The auto-alignment system provides optical stability for the time required to perform an activity assay. The chosen assay is based on the enzyme proprotein convertase 5/6 (PC6) and has important applications in women's health.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS) and School of Chemistry & Physics, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005,  Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Warren-Smith
authors.forename: Guiying
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nie
authors.forename: Erik P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Schartner
authors.forename: Lois A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Salamonsen
authors.forename: Tanya M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Monro