Optical fiber fluorescence sensor integrated into a photobioreactor

Abstract

In this work, we integrated, via optical fibers, a simple fluorescence sensor into a small, low-cost photobioreactor. For the proper implementation, plastic optical fibers were used to excite the colloid, while the fluorescence signal was collected by another fiber and guided to a spectrometer. Real-time tests were carried out with cyanobacteria cultures, confirming the usefulness of monitoring these autofluorescence changes in the photobioreactor. This device provides a preliminary approach for the characterization and detection of cyanobacteria, demonstrating the feasibility of developing small, practical sensors through a simple fiber configuration for monitoring aquatic ecosystems.