Pathogen detection Pathogens absorb light at 280 nm. The U-bent probe, with its increased depth of penetration, can detect the presence of pathogens on the surface by evanescent wave absorbance measured at 280 nm. Research is being carried out to use suitable bioreceptors and detect target molecules and pathogens present in sample.

Recent advancements in the field of biosensor have potential to transform the detection technology for identifying pathogens and their associated toxins. Choice of receptor for pathogen or analyte detection is the key factor that determine the specificity of the detection. Our aim is to employ molecular recognition phenomena to selectively capture the analytes on the fiber optic sensor surface. The analyte-receptor complexes are stabilized through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, van der waals forces and electrostatic interactions. We are interested in developing assays that can detect Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysacharides, peptidoglycans, nucleic acids and also whole bacterial cells.