A fiber-optic pH sensor based on polyelectrolyte multilayers embedded with gold nanoparticles

We report the fabrication and characterization of an optical fiber pH sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) consisting of chitosan and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). The absorbance and scattering properties of the AuNPs are affected by the pH-dependent swell state of the PEM. Both transmission- and reflection-based sensors are investigated and the measured transmittance/reflectance pH response can be closely fitted with the extended Henderson-Hasselbach equation. The reflection-based sensor can potentially be used for in vivo applications.