Avaliação do potencial de fibras ópticas biopoliméricas: celulose e seda

Abstract

Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, natural polymers are increasingly being studied for optical fiber manufacturing. Aiming at environmental preservation and sustainability, the use of renewable sources in the production of these materials, as well as their disposal and degradation period, are extremely important. In this way, the exploitation of the attributes of biopolymers, such as cellulose and silk, brought a new perspective to polymer optical fibers’ future, their application in sensors and in biomedicine. This assignment presents the results reported in different studies of these materials, their applications, limitations and capabilities. The basic parameters and operating principles of optical fibers are introduced, briefly addressing the traditional fibers, and only then focusing on biopolymers. Cellulose and its derivatives stand out in the development of optical fiber sensors, especially for the detection of variations in humidity. Silk fibroin, on the other hand, is a great candidate for implants, with its high biocompatibility and excellent optical and mechanical properties as success factors for advances in optogenetics. Several variables, such as solvents and preparation of the initial solution, the production technique and the processing temperature, directly influence the resulting material properties, and need to be improved in order to reduce propagation losses. In conclusion, the best method and material for manufacturing natural waveguides, as well as the standardization and adaptation for large-scale production, has not yet been defined. The potential of natural polymers in the production of optical fibers is clear, but there is a long way to go for their full development.