Simultaneous Electrochemical and Fluorescence Sensing of Myocardial Infarction Biomarkers Using a Femtosecond Laser-Fabricated Fiber-Optic Platform

The need for rapid and precise detection of biomarkers indicative of myocardial infarction has been emphasized in medical diagnostics and patient care. Conventional sensing approaches primarily utilize electrochemical or optical detecting mechanisms, each characterized by unique advantages and limits. This study aimed to design an advanced fiber-optic platform that integrates simultaneous electrochemical and fluorescence sensing. The integration of these two techniques enhances the reliability and comprehensiveness of biomarker identification. Microsized Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) electrodes were fabricated on the outer surface of polyimide-coated optical fibers using femtosecond laser technology. The proposed innovation is presented as a scalable, reproducible, and economically viable approach to sensor manufacturing. The electrochemical sensing module was tailored explicitly to target myoglobin, an imperative biomarker for myocardial infarction. Enhanced sensitivity and specificity were achieved through a suite of electrochemical analyses encompassing Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical sensing process was controlled by redox reactions and principles of charge transfer, facilitating high-accuracy measurements. Concurrently, fluorescence sensing was integrated into the platform, adding an auxiliary layer of biomarker validation. The fluorescence sensor was engineered to quantify the fluorescence quantum yield and absorption coefficients of specific fluorophores extant in the blood. This auxiliary mechanism offers supportive evidence and exhibits the potential for identifying other associated biomarkers or substances. The amalgamation of these bifurcated sensing modalities into a unified fiber-optic platform enriched the data acquisition process and accelerated the diagnostic timeline. The provision of multi-faceted, real-time data by the platform paves the way for sophisticated, point-of-care health monitoring systems. The research represents significant progress in sensor technology, particularly integrating electrochemical and optical sensing methodologies. The robust and versatile nature of the platform earmarks it as an optimum choice for diverse applications in medical diagnostics and real-time health monitoring applications.