Detecting Tiny Starch Bits with a Smart Fiber Sensor

A new fiber sensor can spot tiny starch traces in water used for cleaning food. It helps stop cross‑contamination and keeps water clean. The device is built from a special fiber design that mixes regular multimode fiber with a core‑less section. A gel layer sits on the core‑less part to capture starch. The key trick is attaching an enzyme called α‑amylase to the fiber surface. Scientists use a chemical bridge that locks the enzyme onto the fiber. This makes the sensor very picky about starch and ignore other stuff.Tests show the sensor works well for concentrations from zero to seven milligrams per liter. It shifts its signal by about 3. 74 nanometers for every milligram per liter added. Even the smallest amounts, as low as 0. 034 milligrams per liter, can be detected. Because the sensor does not need extra labels or dyes, it can operate directly in the water. It gives instant readings and lets food plants know when starch is still present. The new tool offers a fast, accurate way to keep food processing water clean and prevent environmental damage.