Application of a Self-Assembly Sensing Layer to Grating Sensor Cabinets for Biomedical Sensing of Rheumatoid Arthritis Antigen–Antibodies

In this article, we harnessed biomedical applications in laser-assisted etching long-period fiber gratings (LLPFGs) sensors, subsequently deploying them within the realm of biomedical applications. The primary aim of this study was to devise a sensitive method for the detection of antigen–antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using LLPFGs. Sensing the antigen binding took place on the surface of the optical fiber through a self-assembling process. Given the inherent limitations of conventional rheumatoid factor (RF) testing in terms of specificity, we introduced an innovative serum-based approach geared toward the identification of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies. This method exhibited an impressive diagnostic accuracy rate of approximately 80% for RA cases, coupled with an exceptional specificity level of 98% for individuals without RA. The incorporation of LLPFGs in the detection of RA antigen–antibodies presents a highly promising avenue for enhancing the precision and reliability of RA diagnosis. Furthermore, this research aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)3, which strives to promote well-being across all age groups and advance sustainable development by addressing health-related challenges, including the accurate diagnosis of diseases like RA.