Recent advances in the development of polydiacetylene-based biosensors

Biosensors that effectively and selectively detect biomolecules and monitor biological processes have become an important component of biological and medical studies. Because they possess several attractive features, polydiacetylenes (PDAs) have been employed as frameworks for fluorometric and colorimetric sensors. PDAs are formed in their non-fluorescent blue-colored state by UV light induced polymerization of head group functionalized diacetylene monomers (DAs) and they undergo a transition to form fluorescent red-colored PDAs in response to a variety of stimuli. Importantly, by properly choosing a headgroup in the DA, the formed PDA can be designed to undergo a fluorescence/colorimetric change in response to a specific biological stimulus. This review summarizes recent advances that have been made in the development of PDA biosensors with an emphasis being given to design strategies and applications.