A Fiber Optic Based Biosensor to Monitor Mutans Streptococci in Saliva

摘要

A fiber optic biosensor to monitor mutans streptococci activity in human saliva is discussed. The developed biosensor is based on the selective bacterial growth medium and evanescent wave spectroscopy at the core-cladding interface of a multimode fiber to monitor the bacterial mediated biochemical reaction In order to achieve this, a short length of the cladding is removed; the fiber core surface is treated and coated with a thin film of porous glass medium using sol-gel technique During experiments, the mutans streptococci mediated reaction with sucrose is monitored using a photosensitive indicator, which is immobilized within the porous glass coating. This investigation highlights the potential benefits of the FOBS to monitor mutans streptococci activity in saliva.