DNA probe detection within 3D hydrogel matrix in a hollow core photonic crystal fibre

In this paper, we report for the first time the detection of a Cy5-labelled DNA probe immobilised within a 3D hydrogel matrix formed, inside a hollow core Photonic Crystal Fibre (HC-PCF). We show both the sensitivity of fluorescence detection inside the HC-PCF using a supercontinuum light source and of the variation of the luminescence intensity with the concentration DNA probe within the hydrogel. The 3D hydrogel matrix is a network of polymer chains, which is expected to provide highly sensitive detection and selection of bio-molecules, in comparison with 2D coverage. The biocompatibility of hydrogel in the HC-PCF suggests numerous applications associated with immobilised DNA probe detection for point-of-care or remote systems.