A Dual-Channel Sensor Based on Long-Range Surface Plasmon Resonance for BSA Concentration and Temperature Measurement

Temperature greatly influences the activity of biological materials; therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously monitor the temperature and concentration of biological materials. Long-range surface plasmon resonance (LRSPR) sensor has high sensitivity and can detect biomolecules. In this article, we proposed a dual-channel LRSPR sensor that can measure both bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentration and ambient temperature. The proposed sensor used a no-core fiber (NCF) with two channels. One channel was used to deposit magnesium fluoride and silver films on NCF for BSA detection, while the other channel was used to deposit three layers of films [magnesium fluoride, silver, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)] on NCF for temperature detection. The sensitivity of the sensor to detect BSA concentration and temperature is 1.02 nm/(mg/ml) and -2.82 nm/ degrees C, respectively. Cross-sensitivity between the two parameters is solved using a matrix. The sensor offers the advantages of simultaneously monitoring two parameters, having a simple structure and possessing high sensitivity, which makes it promising for a broad range of applications in monitoring BSA concentration and temperature.