Ultra-Sensitive Photonic Crystal Fiber-Based SPR Sensor for Cancer Detection Utilizing Hybrid Nanocomposite Layers

Although early cancer identification is essential for better patient outcomes, traditional diagnostic procedures are not always sensitive enough to find biomarkers at low quantities. Thanks to its great sensitivity and ability to detect in real-time, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors-especially those that include photonic crystal fibers (PCFs)-have become attractive instruments for bio-sensing applications. A further way to improve the performance of SPR sensors is to include sophisticated nanomaterials into them. Utilizing hybrid nanocomposite layers including gold, graphene, and Ti3C2Tx-MXene, we describe the design and construction of an ultra-sensitive PCF-SPR sensor for cancer detection in this paper. The hybrid nanocomposite layers are applied to a PCF structure in the suggested sensor architecture. The main plasmonic layer is made of gold, which is well-known for its exceptional plasmonic capabilities. Graphene and Ti3C2Tx-MXene are used to increase sensitivity and stability. By simulating the sensor's operation using the finite element method (FEM), we were able to improve the PCF shape and nanocomposite layer thickness. To measure the refractive index (RI), researchers looked at how the resonance wavelength changed as a function of the analyte's concentration of cancer biomarkers. The improved sensor outperformed conventional SPR sensors with a sensitivity of 15,000 nm/RIU (refractive index unit). A resonant wavelength shift of 300 nm for a refractive index change of 0.02 RIU was achieved after the addition of the hybrid nanocomposite layer increased the electric field enhancement. With a detection limit of 1.2 x 10-6 RIU, the sensor proved to be an excellent tool for identifying trace amounts of cancer biomarkers in patient samples. A significant step forward in cancer detection technology is provided by the ultra-sensitive PCF-SPR sensor, which employs a hybrid nanocomposite layer of graphene, Ti3C2Tx-MXene, and gold. The sensor's sensitivity is greatly improved by the combination of these nanomaterials, which enables the early detection of cancer biomarkers at minimum quantities. As a non-invasive, real-time and very accurate way for early cancer diagnosis, this sensor has enormous promise for incorporation into clinical diagnostic tools. If this technique is refined and confirmed, it has the potential to greatly enhance patient outcomes by allowing for earlier identification and treatment.