DNA immobilisation and hydrogel matrix formation in suspended-core optical fibre

Here, we show for the first time the formation of a hydrogel matrix in a suspended-core fibre and demonstrate its ability to immobilize a DNA probe. We have demonstrated successful hydrogel matrix formation and immobilization of a DNA probe over increased fibre lengths by adopting a fibre with a suspended-core structure. The extended interaction length will make this fibre a promising candidate for use in labelled-DNA sensors with enhanced sensitivity.