Fabrication and characterization of step-index biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters based optical fiber

Agnieszka Gierej; Adam Filipkowski; Dariusz Pysz; Ryszard Buczyński; Maxime Vagenende; Sandra Van Vlierberghe; Peter Dubruel; Hugo Thienpont; Thomas Geernaert; Francis Berghmans

doi:10.1117/12.2556161

1 April 2020 Fabrication and characterization of step-index biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters based optical fiber

Agnieszka Gierej, Adam Filipkowski, Dariusz Pysz, Ryszard Buczyński, Maxime Vagenende, Sandra Van Vlierberghe, Peter Dubruel, Hugo Thienpont, Thomas Geernaert, Francis Berghmans

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11355, Micro-Structured and Specialty Optical Fibres VI; 113550L (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2556161
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

Biocompatible optical waveguides receive increasing attention owing to their application potential in the biomedical field. Our focus is on the fabrication and characterization of a new step-index biodegradable polymer optical fiber (bioPOF) using two commercial polyesters: poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PDLGA) and poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA). Both polymers are regulated by US FDA, which allows projecting future clinical use of fibers made from these materials. We manufactured three preforms and we subsequently drew optical fibers with a standard heat-draw tower. We describe the chemical properties of the materials throughout the whole production chain from polymer granulates to preforms and then to optical fibers. We look into to the influence of the processing on the molecular weight and thermal characteristics of the polymers. Our step-index bioPOF with an outer diameter of 1000 ± 50 μm and a core of around 570 ±30 μm features record low attenuation of 0.26 dB∕cm at 950 nm for step index bioPOF, and a numerical aperture of 0.163. Immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) leads to hydrolytic degradation of the bioPOFs over a period of 3 months, accompanied with a 91% molecular weight loss. From the degradation study results, we anticipate that our bioPOFs can be used for biophotonic applications requiring deep tissue light delivery, such as photodynamic therapy.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Agnieszka Gierej, Adam Filipkowski, Dariusz Pysz, Ryszard Buczyński, Maxime Vagenende, Sandra Van Vlierberghe, Peter Dubruel, Hugo Thienpont, Thomas Geernaert, and Francis Berghmans "Fabrication and characterization of step-index biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters based optical fiber", Proc. SPIE 11355, Micro-Structured and Specialty Optical Fibres VI, 113550L (1 April 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2556161

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available