A recent Scientific Reports article explored the synthesis and integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into three-dimensional (3D) printed optical fiber probes (OFPs). By combining 3D printing with nanotechnology, the researchers enhanced the optical properties of fiber probes, highlighting their potential for applications in sensing and biomedical fields.
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Advancements in Optical Fibers Technology
Optical fibers have transformed communication and sensing technologies by enabling efficient and precise light transmission. This capability has made them indispensable in telecommunications, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
Integrating nanomaterials like AuNPs into optical fibers enhances their performance through unique optical phenomena, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR). SPR occurs when light interacts with metal nanoparticles, increasing light absorption and scattering. By adjusting the size, shape, and concentration of AuNPs, the optical sensitivity and functionality of these devices can be optimized, supporting applications in biosensing, imaging, and photonics.
Methodologies for Synthesis and Integration
The authors used a polymeric reduction method to synthesize and integrate AuNPs within 3D-printed optical fiber probes (OFPs). The resin formulation included polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), with trimethoxylbenzoyl phosphine oxide (TPO) as a photoinitiator to enable UV-induced polymerization.
The printed OFPs were immersed in a boiling solution of gold(III) chloride hydrate, which acted as the precursor for AuNPs. Heating facilitated the reduction of gold ions, leading to the in situ formation of AuNPs within the polymer matrix.
Fabrication was performed using a digital light processing (DLP) printer with a resolution of 3840 × 2400 pixels, allowing for high-precision printing. Parameters such as layer thickness (25 μm) and exposure time (35 seconds per layer) were carefully controlled to optimize nanoparticle synthesis.
The effects of varying gold precursor concentrations and immersion times on nanoparticle formation and optical performance were evaluated. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were used to analyze the nanoparticles and their integration within the polymer matrix.
Optical Properties and Performance
The study demonstrated that integrating AuNPs significantly enhanced the optical performance of the 3D-printed OFPs. TEM confirmed the spherical shape of the AuNPs, with an average size of approximately 30 nm. FTIR spectroscopy further verified the successful cross-linking of the polymer components, as indicated by characteristic peaks corresponding to carbon-oxygen (C–O) and C=C bonds.
Optical characterization revealed that the reflection and transmission spectra of the OFPs were strongly influenced by both the concentration of AuNPs and immersion time. A notable dip in the reflection spectra was observed between 500 and 600 nm, corresponding to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the AuNPs. This behavior demonstrated enhanced light absorption and scattering, highlighting the fibers’ suitability for optical sensing applications.
Additionally, the fibers maintained stable performance across varying temperatures and pH conditions, demonstrating their suitability for practical applications. These results highlight the potential of the fibers for use in optical devices requiring selective wavelength filtering and enhanced sensing capabilities.
Applications of Gold Nanoparticle-Embedded Optical Fibers
The integration of AuNPs into 3D-printed optical fibers offers promising opportunities across multiple fields. Their enhanced optical properties make them well-suited for advanced sensing technologies that require high sensitivity to environmental changes. In biomedical applications, these fibers could be used to detect biomarkers, improving diagnostic precision.
The flexibility of 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and cost-effective production of customized optical components, supporting research and development efforts. Additionally, controlled nanoparticle synthesis allows precise tuning of optical properties, which can drive innovations in telecommunications, such as improved signal processing and transmission.
The tunable optical characteristics of these fibers also make them suitable for devices like optical filters and modulators, essential for advanced communication systems and environmental monitoring.
Future Directions
The authors demonstrated in situ synthesis of AuNPs within 3D-printed OFPs, highlighting the potential of combining nanotechnology with additive manufacturing. The ability to achieve tunable optical properties through controlled AuNP synthesis marks a significant step toward developing multifunctional optical devices. Future work could focus on refining the synthesis process and exploring alternative nanoparticles to further expand the functionality of 3D-printed optical devices.
Journal Reference
Chekkaramkodi, D., et al. (2024). In-situ synthesis and integration of gold nanoparticles into 3D printed optical fiber probes. Sci Rep. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-81139-x, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-81139-x
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