State-of-the-art molecular imprinted colorimetric sensors and their on-site inspecting applications

Molecular imprinted colorimetric sensors can realize visual semi-quantitative analysis without the use of any equipment. With the advantages of low cost, fast response, ease of handling, and excellent recognition ability, the molecular imprinted colorimetric sensor shows great application potential in the field of sample rapid assay. Molecular imprinted colorimetric sensors can be prepared in various forms to meet the needs of different sample determination, such as film, hydrogel, strip, and adsorption coating. In this review, the preparation methods for various types of molecularly imprinted colorimetric sensors are systematically introduced. Their applications in the field of on-site biological sample detection, drug detection, disease treatment, chiral substance detection and separation, environmental analysis, and food safety detection are introduced. The limitations encountered in the practical application are presented, and the future development directions prospect.     

Potentiometric sensors for trace-level analysis

This review summarizes recent progress in the development and application of potentiometric sensors with limits of detection (LODs) in the range 10(-8)-10(-11) M. These LODs relate to total sample concentrations and are defined according to a definition unique to potentiometric sensors. LODs calculated according to traditional protocols (three times the standard deviation of the noise) yield values that are two orders of magnitude lower. We are targeting this article at analytical chemists who are non-specialists in the development of such sensors so that this technology may be adopted by a growing number of research groups to solve real-world analytical problems.We discuss the unique response features of potentiometric sensors and compare them to other analytical techniques, emphasizing that the choice of the method must depend on the problem of interest. We discuss recent directions in sensor design and development and present a list of 23 sensors with low LODs, with references. We give recent examples where potentiometric sensors have been used to solve trace-level analytical problems, including the speciation of lead and copper ions in drinking water, the measurement of free copper in sea water, and the uptake of cadmium ions by plant roots as a function of their speciation.     

Toward decentralized analysis of mercury (II) in real samples. A critical review on nanotechnology-based methodologies

In recent years, it has increased the number of works focused on the development of novel nanoparticle-based sensors for mercury detection, mainly motivated by the need of low cost portable devices capable of giving fast and reliable analytical response, thus contributing to the analytical decentralization. Methodologies employing colorimetric, fluorometric, magnetic, and electrochemical output signals allowed reaching detection limits within the pM and nM ranges. Most of these developments proved their suitability in detecting and quantifying mercury (II) ions in synthetic solutions or spiked water samples. However, the state of art in these technologies is still behind the standard methods of mercury quantification, such as cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma techniques, in terms of reliability and sensitivity. This is mainly because the response of nanoparticle-based sensors is highly affected by the sample matrix. The developed analytical nanosystems may fail in real samples because of the negative incidence of the ionic strength and the presence of exchangeable ligands. The aim of this review is to critically consider the recently published innovations in this area, and highlight the needs to include more realistic assays in future research in order to make these advances suitable for on-site analysis.     

Nanoengineered glycan sensors enabling native glycoprofiling for medicinal applications: towards profiling glycoproteins without labeling or liberation steps

Nanoengineered glycan sensors may help realize the long-held goal of accurate and rapid glycoprotein profiling without labeling or glycan liberation steps. Current methods of profiling oligosaccharides displayed on protein surfaces, such as liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and microarray methods, are limited by sample pretreatment and quantitative accuracy. Microarrayed platforms can be improved with methods that better estimate kinetic parameters rather than simply reporting relative binding information. These quantitative glycan sensors are enabled by an emerging class of nanoengineered materials that differ in their mode of signal transduction from traditional methods. Platforms that respond to mass changes include a quartz crystal microbalance and cantilever sensors. Electronic response can be detected from electrochemical, field effect transistor, and pore impedance sensors. Optical methods include fluorescent frontal affinity chromatography, surface plasmon resonance methods, and fluorescent carbon nanotubes. After a very brief primer on glycobiology and its connection to medicine, these emerging systems are critically reviewed for their potential use as core sensors in future glycoprofiling tools.     

Chemosensors for motor management systems of the future

The growing demands to reduce polluting emissions from motor vehicles can be satisfied only by using new concepts of engine management. These concepts require new chemosensors for their implementation. Their center piece is a new lambda probe for the improved monitoring of idling operation or cylinder fluctuations. Sensors are also required for monitoring catalytic converters and regulating the catalytic reactions of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust from Diesel engines. At Siemens, research is being pursued into new sensors for these applications. The sensors are based on the effect of the gases on the electrical conductivity of semiconducting metal oxides. The latter can be manufactured as a thin film by reactive sputtering, thus allowing their easy integration into microsensor systems. In addition to the fast lambda probe for cylinder-selective measurement, research is being focused on sensors for hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and ammonia. The laboratory investigations have led to the discovery of suitable metal oxides for detecting the relevant gases. Prototypes of the fast lambda probe with a response time of less than 10 ms and a constant operating temperature up to 1000°C have been successfully tested on engine test benches.     

新型量子点基分子印迹荧光传感器在快速检测中的应用

作为一种新型荧光纳米材料,量子点具有十分优异的光学特性,是分析化学、生物科学、医学等领域研究的热点标记材料.分子印迹聚合物是能够进行特异性识别和选择性吸附的"仿生"材料,它易于制备且具有较好的重现性和稳定性,因而分子印迹技术已成为具有广阔应用前景的识别技术.量子点基分子印迹荧光传感器结合了量子点和分子印迹技术的优势,由...     

Recent progress in fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for the detection of ions and biomolecules

Optical sensors are widely used in the field of analytical sensing and optical imaging because of their high sensitivity, fast response time, and technical simplicity. This review focuses on recent contributions concerning the ions, neutral molecules and especially tumor micro-environment-related parameters based fluorescent or colorimetric sensors and is organized according to their target classifications.     

碳纳米管气体传感器研究进展

碳纳米管具有一维纳米结构、高表面吸附能力、良好的导电性和电子弹道传输特性等优异的力学、电学、物理和化学性能,成为制作纳米气体传感器的理想材料之一.近年来,各国研究者广泛开展了碳纳米管气体传感器的研究工作,并取得了许多显著成果.研究结果表明,碳纳米管气体传感器具有灵敏度高、响应速度快、尺寸小、能耗低和室温下工作等诸多特点.本文结合本研究小组近年来在碳纳米管气体传感器领域所做的大量研究工作,从环境监测、医学检测和国防军事等方面,对碳纳米管气体传感器取得的研究进展进行了综述,同时也阐述和分析了碳纳米管气体传感器的工作原理和制作过程.尽管面临诸多挑战,随着研究的不断深入,碳纳米管气体传感器仍有可能凭借其独特的性能优势成为当前商业应用气体传感器的有力竞争者.     

Advances in application of sensors for determination of phthalate esters

Phthalates esters(PAEs) are extensively used as additives for polymers in plastic, particularly in polyvinyl chloride(PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate(PET). These compounds are not part of the polymer chains and can be released easily from products and migrate into beverages and foods that come into direct contact, causing environmental and human health impacts. Simple and rapid detection of such substances is of great significance for ensuring environmental food safety and consumer health. A...     

光控二芳烯化学传感器及其研究进展

有机光致变色材料由于在光学记忆及分子开关器件等领域具有潜在的应用价值而备受关注。在众多有机光致变色系统中,二芳烯类光致变色化合物具有热稳定性好、耐疲劳、响应速度快和灵敏度高等优点,在光电材料和生物医学领域具有广阔的应用前景。近年来,围绕二芳烯构建可调控光化学传感器已成为功能材料领域的一大研究热点。本文主要介绍以二芳烯作为光调控单元合成具有多重调控功能的化学传感器的研究进展,并展望了该领域的应用前景和研究方向。     

Pervaporation membrane separation process for enhancing the selectivity of an artificial olfactory system (“electronic nose”)

This study investigates the potential of pervaporation (a selective membrane separation technique) combined with an electronic nose based on metal oxide sensors for analyzing wine model solutions. Choosing a suitable membrane polymer, it is shown that subtle variations in aroma composition can be detected by the metal oxide sensors, even when 12% (v/v) ethanol is present in the original sample. Simulations of the composition of the permeate demonstrate that, despite the low molecular density of the permeate, the respective solute concentrations are sufficiently high to generate a reproducible and significant response from the metal oxide sensors.     

Polymeric Sensor Materials: Toward an Alliance of Combinatorial and Rational Design Tools?

Increased selectivity, response speed, and sensitivity in the chemical and biological determinations of gases and liquids are of great interest. Particular attention is paid to polymeric sensor materials, which are applicable to sensors exploiting various energy transduction principles, such as radiant, electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy. Ideally, numerous functional parameters of sensor materials can be tailored to meet specific needs using rational design approaches. However, increasing the structural and functional complexity of polymeric sensor materials makes it more difficult to predict the desired properties. Combinatorial and high-throughput methods have had an impact on all areas of research on polymer-based sensor materials including homo- and copolymers, formulated materials, polymeric structures with engineered morphology, and molecular shape-recognition materials. Herein we report on the state-of-the-art, the development trends, and the remaining knowledge gaps in the area of combinatorial polymeric sensor materials design.     

A Multivariate Liner Model for Calculating Response Feature Parameters of Chemical Sensor Based on Fluorescence Quenching for Analytes

The chemical membrane sensors based on fluorescence quenching are the important field of the chemical sensors, it is conducive to the development of the chemical sensors to inquire into their fluorescence quenching mechanism and evaluate their response parameters.     

Targeting Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents at the Molecular Level

After the September 11 tragedies of 2001, scientists and law‐enforcement agencies have shown increasing concern that terrorist organizations and their “rogue” foreign government‐backers may resort to the use of chemical and/or biological agents against U.S. military or civilian targets. In addition to the right mix of policies, including security measures, intelligence gathering and training for medical personnel on how to recognize symptoms of biochemical warfare agents, the major success in combating terrorism lies in how best to respond to an attack using reliable analytical sensors. The public and regulatory agencies expect sensing methodologies and devices for homeland security to be very reliable. Quality data can only be generated by using analytical sensors that are validated and proven to be under strict design criteria, development and manufacturing controls. Electrochemical devices are ideally suited for obtaining the desired analytical information in a faster, simpler, and cheaper manner compared to traditional (lab‐based) assays and hence for meeting the requirements of decentralized biodefense applications. This articler presents a review of the major trends in monitoring technologies for chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents. It focuses on research and development of sensors (particularly electrochemical ones), discusses how advances in molecular recognition might be used to design new multimission networked sensors (MULNETS) for homeland security. Decision flow‐charts for choosing particular analytical techniques for CBW agents are presented. Finally, the paths to designing sensors to meet the needs of today's measurement criteria are analyzed.     

Polymerized crystalline colloidal array chemical-sensing materials for detection of lead in body fluids

We have developed intelligent polymerized crystalline colloidal array (IPCCA) chemical-sensing materials for detection of Pb(2+) in high ionic-strength environments such as body fluids with a detection limit of <500 nmol L(-1) Pb(2+) (100 ppb). This IPCCA lead sensor consists of a mesoscopically periodic array of colloidal particles polymerized into an acrylamide hydrogel. The array Bragg-diffracts light in the visible spectral region because of the periodic spacing of the colloidal particles. This material also contains a crown ether chelating agent for Pb(2+). Chelation of Pb(2+) by the IPCCA in low-ionic-strength solutions results in a Donnan potential that swells the gel, which red-shifts the diffracted light in proportion to the Pb(2+) concentration. At high ionic strength the Donnan potential is, unfortunately, swamped and no static response occurs for these sensors. We demonstrate, however, that we can determine Pb(2+) at high ionic strength by incubating these IPCCA in a sample solution and then measuring their transient response on exposure to pure water. The non-complexed ions diffuse from the IPCCA faster than the bound Pb(2+). The resulting transient IPCCA diffraction red-shift is proportional to the concentration of Pb(2+) in the sample. These IPCCA sensors can thus be used as sensing materials in optrodes to determine Pb(2+) in high-ionic-strength solutions such as body fluids.     

Air-gap fiber-optic ammonia gas sensor

A novel fiber-optic gas sensing arrangement based on an air-gap design is evaluated. In this arrangement, a small gap of air separates the internal solution from the sample. In addition, a second air-gap separates the internal solution from a fiber-optic probe which measures the fluorescence of the internal solution. A series of gas sensors for ammonia is used to investigate several critical design parameters. The length of the air-gap between the internal solution and the fiber-optic probe affects the magnitude of response. The length of the air-gap separating the internal and sample solutions has minimal effect on either magnitude or rate of response. As with membrane-type gas sensors, thickness of the internal solution and concentration of the indicator dye are the most important sensor parameters to consider when designing a fiber-optic gas sensor.     

金属有机框架及其衍生的金属氧化物在电阻式气体传感器中的应用

高灵敏和选择性的气体传感器对于实时监测大气中有毒有害气体和早期的疾病诊断具有重要的意义。目前,传统的气敏材料仍然存在着许多问题亟待解决,例如：选择性差、检测极限不够低、使用寿命短等。作为一种多孔的配位聚合物,金属有机框架材料(MOFs)由于其超高的比表面积和较大的孔隙率在气体传感器领域已经得到广泛的应用。利用MOFs自身或者由它们衍生的不同纳米结构的金属氧化物可以提升气体传感器的灵敏度和选择性,为制备新型高性能的气体传感器提供了新的思路和方向。本文结合金属氧化物半导体(MOS)的气敏机理,综述了不同结构的MOFs及其衍生的金属氧化物在电阻式气体传感器领域的研究进展,并对其应用前景和发展方向作出了展望。     

Visual pH Sensors: From a Chemical Perspective to New Bioengineered Materials

Many human activities and cellular functions depend upon precise pH values, and pH monitoring is considered a fundamental task. Colorimetric and fluorescence sensors for pH measurements are chemical and biochemical tools able to sense protons and produce a visible signal. These pH sensors are gaining widespread attention as non-destructive tools, visible to the human eye, that are capable of a real-time and in-situ response. Optical “visual” sensors are expanding researchers’ interests in many chemical contexts and are routinely used for biological, environmental, and medical applications. In this review we provide an overview of trending colorimetric, fluorescent, or dual-mode responsive visual pH sensors. These sensors include molecular synthetic organic sensors, metal organic frameworks (MOF), engineered sensing nanomaterials, and bioengineered sensors. We review different typological chemical entities of visual pH sensors, three-dimensional structures, and signaling mechanisms for pH sensing and applications; developed in the past five years. The progression of this review from simple organic molecules to biological macromolecules seeks to benefit beginners and scientists embarking on a project of pH sensing development, who needs background information and a quick update on advances in the field. Lessons learned from these tools will aid pH determination projects and provide new ways of thinking for cell bioimaging or other cutting-edge in vivo applications.     

Application of microbiological sensors in fermentation processes

A review is presented of microbiological sensors which are composed of micro-organisms immobilized in a membrane and coupled to a sensing element. Conventional microbiological sensors such as those for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ethanol and acetic acid are discussed briefly. Novel sensors are then described. The sensor for carbon dioxide is based on a chemoautotrophic bacterium, that for alcohol on cell membranes of the acetic acid bacteria, Gluoconabacter suboxydans. Sensors for BOD carbon dioxide are based on thermophilic bacteria. Finally, a microbial field effect transistor sensor (FET) for alcohol sensor is described. For all the sensors, the ranges of linear response and their long-term stabilities are reported.     

Controlled‐Potential‐Based Electrochemical Sulfide Sensors: A Review

Due to their potential applications in industry and potent toxicity to the environment, sulfides and their detection have attracted the attention of researchers. To date, a large number of controlled‐potential techniques for electrochemical sulfide sensors have been developed, thanks to their simplicity, reasonable limit of detection (LOD), and good selectivity. Different researchers have applied different strategies for developing selective and sensitive sulfide sensors. However, there has been no systematic review on controlled‐potential techniques for sulfide sensing. In light of this absence, the main aim of this review article is to summarize various strategies for detecting sulfide in different media. The efficiencies of the developed sulfide sensors for detecting sulfide in its various forms are determined, and the essential parameters, including sensing strategies, working electrodes, detection media, pH, LOD, sensitivity, and linear detection range, are emphasized in particular. Future research in this area is also recommended. It is expected that this review will act as a basis for further research on the fabrication of sulfide sensors for practical applications.