Optical sensing of vitamin C concentrations: a novel approach with etched fiber-based plasmon sensor

Abstract

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient with significant implications for human health. Accurate and rapid detection of vitamin C concentrations in various samples holds immense importance in medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. In this study, we introduce a novel approach utilizing an etched fiber-based plasmon sensor for sensitive and selective detection of vitamin C. The biosensor employs a gold-coated optical fiber with a precisely etched region, enabling the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The interaction between SPPs and the vitamin C analyte induces changes in the refractive index near the fiber surface, consequently causing shifts in the resonance wavelength of the plasmonic mode. By monitoring these wavelength shifts, the concentration of vitamin C in the sample can be accurately determined. This research presents a promising platform for enhanced detection of vitamin C, offering potential applications in various fields.