Optical Fiber Single-Mode Biosensors for Detection of Cells: Latest Advances
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This paper reports the development and experimental validation of a refractive-index fiber-optic sensor based on a Semi-Distributed interferometer (SDI) for the detection of breast cancer cells. The SDI architecture utilizes a Fabry-Pérot structure formed between a standard cleaved fiber tip and the reflective interface of a single-mode fiber coupled to a high-scattering fiber, core-doped with magnesium silicate nanoparticles. To adapt the sensor for cell detection, a functional Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microsphere (approximately $200 \mu \mathrm{~m}$ diameter) was fabricated directly onto the SDI tip. This spherical geometry enhances the interaction between the evanescent field and the target analyte. The fabricated sensor enabled the detection of breast cancer cells at concentrations as low as 2.48 cells /mL. The results indicate that the nanoparticle-enhanced SDI combined with a PDMS ball-tip configuration provides a robust, miniaturized platform for label-free biosensing in biomedical applications.
Institutions: Nazarbayev University, Université Côte d'Azur
Language: English
Topic: Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7215126656