Chalcogenide glass fibers used as biosensors

The development of a new generation of chalcogenide infrared glass fibers allows making an IR sensor that permits recording the fingerprints of biomolecules in the mid infrared (MIR) range. The measurements are based on the general concept of evanescent wave spectroscopy. To improve the detection, the diameter of the fiber is locally reduced. To test this optical sensor, we measured metabolic anomalies in relation with hepatic pathologies. Mouse liver tissues have been used and MIR spectra have been recorded by a mere contact between tissues and the surface of the fiber. Spectral differences reflect metabolic alterations, these can be identified and assigned. Furthermore, histologic studies confirm these results. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.