Selective and rapid detection of soil fungi using surface modified long period fiber gratings

We present fast and reliable bio-engineered long period gratings for detection of fungal species in soil. Qualitative and quantitative measurements of airborne microorganisms is a challenge for microbiologists. The optical sensors based on long period gratings have been used for the identification of a very common Trichoderma Viride species which is a genus of Trichoderma fungi present in soil. T.Viride is among the first and most used bio-fungicide. The proposed procedure of sensing enables selective binding of T.Viride fungal spores in presence of other species. Binding of the spores is made confirmed by capturing SEM micrographs of the surface of fiber gratings. Significant shift of resonance peak from 1553 nm to 1548.78 nm was recorded. We demonstrate instant detection and effective selectivity of sensor for desired spores, suppressing the chances of false detection.