Challenges in Adapting Fibre Optic Sensors for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Fibre optic sensors (FOSs) have developed as a transformative technology in healthcare, often offering unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity in monitoring various physiological and biochemical parameters. Their applications range from tracking vital signs to guiding minimally invasive surgeries, enabling advancements in medical diagnostics and treatment. However, the integration of FOSs into biomedical applications faces numerous challenges. This article describes some challenges for adopting FOSs for biomedical purposes, exploring technical and practical obstacles, and examining innovative solutions. Significant challenges include biocompatibility, miniaturization, addressing signal processing complexities, and meeting regulatory standards. By outlining solutions to the stated challenges, it is intended that this article provides a better understanding of FOS technologies in biomedical settings and their implementation. A broader appreciation of the technology, offered in this article, enhances patient care and improved medical outcomes.

Keywords: biocompatibility; biomedical applications; fibre optic sensors; glucose measurement; signal processing.

Figure 4

Working principles of a fibre optic sensor with different measurands (showed in arrows with different colours); adopted idea: [40].

Figure 1

An abstract of the review, showing challenges regarding adoption of FOSs in real-world applications.

Figure 2

A chronology of some of the main achievements in fibre optic biosensor technology [9,10,11,12,13].

Figure 3

Different types of polymer-based FOSs with fabrication techniques; adopted idea: [22].

Figure 5

The development and optical properties of GLPLight1 were examined using structural modelling and fluorescence imaging. (a) The structural model, generated using Alphafold [125], depicts the human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) in gold, the circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP) in green, and mutagenesis target residues in magenta. (b) Fluorescence imaging in HEK293T cells and primary cortical neurons demonstrated an increase in fluorescence intensity. Pixel-wise ΔF/F0 images further confirmed these fluorescence changes, supporting the sensor’s effectiveness in detecting GLP-1 interactions. Image source: [124].

Figure 6

Step graph of an approach to sensor accuracy assurance during the design, manufacturing, validation, and deployment of sensor technology; factors to consider are highlighted in blue in the first and the last steps. Adopted with permission from [126]. Copyright 2025 American Chemical Society.

Figure 7

Schematic puzzle of the four significant challenges in developing biodegradable and biocompatible optical fibres; adopted idea: [127].