Fiber Optic Sensors for the Detection of Biomarkers within Biological Samples

Optoelectronic methods, including classical spectroscopic techniques (absorption and Raman), are used in medicine, especially in laboratory diagnostic tests and in imaging. Using these measurement methods is costly - it requires the use of expensive and specialist measurement equipment and also additional elements necessary to take the analysis (e.g., reagents, dedicated trays, method of preparing samples of biological materials); moreover, their proper use is possible only with qualified personnel. There is a need to construct relatively cheap and simple to use measuring devices that may have worse parameters than metrological laboratory equipment, but, due to the low price, would become more popular.

The use of fibre-optic sensors, as low-cost measuring devices in biology and medicine, is still insufficient and very desirable. Fibre-optic sensors have several advantages in comparison to electronic sensors of the same size. Due to the use of dielectric materials, they are insensitive to the electric and magnetic fields generated by the devices used for diagnostics and medical therapy. Additionally, they are not sensitive to chemical agents and ionizing radiation. It is worth noting that the fibre-optic sensors can be implemented with the transmitters of various physical quantities and that they can usually be produced in a relatively cheap way. The small dimensions of such sensors (below hundreds of micrometers) allow for the appearance of distortions in the investigated area, allowing for the same realization of almost pointwise measurements. Furthermore, while using the low-coherence interferometry, such a sensor is insensitive to changes in the intensity of the optical signal in the transmission system, since all the information about the measured values is included in the frequency components of the measuring signal spectrum.

Subject Matter Level: Intermediate - Assumes basic knowledge of the topic

What You Will Learn:
• Limitations of current diagnostic tools and how fiber-optic sensors can make biomarker detection more affordable and easier to use
• How these sensors can help detect important biological signals, opening the door to simpler and more accessible diagnostic technologies

Who Should Attend:
• Researchers and students interested in emerging, accessible technologies for medical and biological sensing
• Healthcare and laboratory professionals looking for simpler, lower-cost diagnostic tools and innovations
• Anyone curious about how fiber-optic technologies can support future medical diagnostics and biomarker detection

About the Presenter: Małgorzata Szczerska from Gdansk University of Technology

Małgorzata Szczerska is a global strategic advisor and professor with 20+ years of leadership in biomedical engineering, photonics, and AI-driven innovation. Małgorzata is experienced in leading international EU-funded programs and multimillion-euro projects, building partnerships across academia, industry, and government. Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Board at Gdańsk University of Technology, with a strong focus on developing cross-disciplinary teams and future leaders. Recognized advisor to the European Commission and keynote speaker, translating scientific breakthroughs into business value and strategic transformation. Strong record in mentoring and talent development, preparing the next generation of innovation leaders.