Caracterização e calibração de um sensor a fibra ótica baseado em redes de Bragg para análise biomecânica in vivo

Abstract

The present work studies behavior of a biosensor that uses Bragg gratings in optical fibers, capable to measuring deformations in bone tissue. The aim is to characterize and calibrate the sensor with its encapsulation so that it can be implanted in a living animal in the future and thus allow to improve studies about bone behavior in its microstructure. For the development of this study it is necessary to know the bone behavior as a whole, the biomechanics of the specific area where the sensor will be implanted, the sensor operation, as well as the behavior of its encapsulation; herefore, all these aspects are studied. For the characterization and calibration of the encapsulated sensor, a software traction test (numerical simulation) and an experimental calibration arrangement (practical test) were carried out, so that its desired final application could be possible. The tests performed are described in this work. The results show that the transducer and the encapsulation used are adequate to capture deformations lower than 0.1 N, presented a linear response, with a correlation coefficient of the average of 5 sensors at 0.999, expanded uncertainty of 0.07 N and slope 77 pm/N; good repeatability, and biocompatible components. The sensor is suitable for in vivo applications. Through the tests it was also possible to determine the best place and way for its implementation in a specific application, that is the analysis of bone deformation on an external surface of bovine mandible during chewing movements of different foods.