Detection of Microcystin-LR in Water using Polyaniline Coated U-bent Fiber Optic Biosensor

Abstract-Due to the global eutrophication of water bodies, there is a huge growth of toxin-releasing cyanobacterial and algal blooms. Microcystin-LR, the prevalent toxin among them creates a serious challenge to global public health if found in concentrations above the limit specified by World Health Organisation. In this study, we report the development of an optical fiber based immunosensor using polyaniline achieving an experimental limit of detection of $0.1 \mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{L}$ which is within the limit set by the World Health Organization.