Advances in Plasmonic Photonic Crystal Fiber Biosensors: Exploring Innovative Materials for Bioimaging and Environmental Monitoring

Abstract

This review paper comprehensively analyzes recent advancements in optical fiber‐based biosensors, focusing on conventional fiber and photonic crystal structures. This paper overviews the significant applications of optical fiber biosensors, including bioimaging, quality analysis, food safety, and field environment monitoring, setting the stage for subsequent discussions. The primary objective of the review is to systematically evaluate recent literature concerning optical fiber‐based biosensors, emphasizing their sensitivities and resolutions. The second section explores integrating plasmonic materials such as graphene, TDMC, germanium, black phosphorus, and silicon within optical fiber biosensors, elucidating their roles in enhancing sensitivity and resolution in biosensing applications. A detailed examination of photonic crystal fibers (PCF) follows, categorizing them into internally and externally metal film‐coated biosensors, highlighting their distinct advantages and limitations. Comparative analyses in two tables delineate the performance and sensitivity of optical fiber‐based biosensors, mainly focusing on different coating strategies. The final section of the review discusses emerging trends and applications in optical fiber biosensing technologies, underscoring their potential to transform biomedical and environmental monitoring fields. By synthesizing recent developments and challenges, this review aims to offer researchers and practitioners a comprehensive understanding of optical fiber‐based biosensors, facilitating informed decision‐making and driving further advancements in the field.