Synthesis and Characterization of Viscosity-adjusted Optical Fiber for pH Sensing Application

Background: The measurement of pH values within chronic wounds is essential for effective wound management. However, fabricating fiber optic sensors for wound monitoring presents challenges due to materials characteristics. This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of a viscosity-modified polymeric optical fiber-based biosensor system for pH measurement. Methods: A PEO/PEG/ PVA blended polymer with varying ratios (PEO 1-10, PEG 1-4, and PVA 1-0.1) and molecular weights at 50% concentration was used to fabricate the fiber optic preforms using the cast-in-mould method, and a direct drawing was performed at 37 degrees C to create the fiber. The optimal PEO/PEG/PVA ratio for the fabricated fiber was found to be 5:4:1, 5:3:1, which displayed a tensile strength of 7.41 MPa and good morphological features. Results: The fabricated fiber showed improved optical characteristics, including transparency, by varying the polymeric ratio and adding PVA. When compared to a standard PMMA fiber, the fabricated fiber exhibited a pH-sensitive pattern in light intensity response to different pH media, demonstrating a direct correlation between pH value and optical intensity output. The biosensor system successfully measured pH values within a media, with PMMA and fabricated fiber output at pH 1 and 10 being 0.172 and 0.15, 3.71 and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion: The fabricated fiber optic biosensor system shows potential for pH measurement in chronic wounds with further study.