Polymer membranes in clinical sensor applications. I. An overview of membrane function

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Polymer membranes are integral to many molecular sensing devices with clinical potential.
• The specific roles and required physical properties of polymers in these membranes are often not well-defined.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive overview of polymer membrane applications in sensor technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse range of polymers used in sensor membranes.
• To provide an overview of polymer membrane function in potentiometric, amperometric, and fiber optic sensors.
• To highlight key interactions and the role of membranes in immobilizing active agents.

Main Methods:

• Extensive literature review of polymer membrane applications in sensor technology.
• Analysis of membrane function across different sensor types (potentiometric, amperometric, fiber optic).
• Focus on the interplay between permeability, permselectivity, and transmembrane potential.

Main Results:

• Identified a wide array of polymers utilized in sensor membranes.
• Detailed the functional contributions of polymer membranes in various sensing modalities.
• Emphasized the critical role of permeability, permselectivity, and transmembrane potential.
• Highlighted the use of polymer membranes as matrices for immobilizing chemical and biological agents.

Conclusions:

• Clarified the function and essential properties of polymer membranes in molecular sensors.
• Provided a foundational understanding for selecting and designing polymer membranes for specific sensing applications.
• Underscored the importance of membrane properties for sensor performance and the immobilization of reactive species.