Abstract

A brief review of fiber-optic biosensors is presented in this entry with emphasis on the optical techniques more widely used for detection such as absorbance, fluorescence, interferometry, and electromagnetic resonances among others. A quick overview of the principle of operation and schematic descriptions of the typical configurations of these sensors is provided with a previous depiction of the different biological elements and biosensing mechanisms involved in the transduction mechanisms of such sensors. This entry attempts to familiarize the fiber-optic biosensor technology to scientists who are unfamiliar with the field.