Convex fiber-tapered seven core fiber-convex fiber (CTC) structure-based biosensor for creatinine detection in aquaculture

The purpose of this article is to propose an optical fiber sensor probe based on the localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) technique for the detection of creatinine in aquaculture. The sensing probe is functionalized through the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene, and creatinase (CA) enzyme. The intrinsic total internal reflection (TIR) mechanism is modified to increase the evanescent field intensity using a heterogeneous core mismatch and tapering probe structure (i.e., convex fiber-tapered seven core fiber-convex fiber (CTC) structure). Strong evanescent fields can stimulate AuNPs and induce the LSPR effect, thereby increasing probe sensitivity. The specific recognition is enhanced by Nb2CTx MXene adsorbing more active CA enzymes. The developed sensor probe has a sensitivity and limit of detection of 3.1 pm/µM and 86.12 µM, respectively, in the linear range of 0-2000 µM. Additionally, the sensor probe's reusability, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity were evaluated, with satisfactory results obtained with impact for areas like food protein, marine life and healthcare.