Optical Multisensor Array with Functionalized Photonic Droplets by an Interpenetrating Polymer Network for Human...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) solid droplets offer unique photonic properties.
• Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) provide a stable matrix for functional materials.
• Developing multi-analyte solid-state sensors with high selectivity and stability is crucial for diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel photonic sensors based on CLCsolid-PAA IPN droplets.
• To demonstrate the multi-analyte sensing capabilities (pH, metal ions, urea, glucose) of these photonic sensors.
• To evaluate the selectivity, sensitivity, and stability of the developed biosensors for applications in human serum analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of photonic IPN CLCsolid-PAA droplets within a PAA-patterned array film.
• Functionalization of the PAA network with receptors (urease, phenylboronic acid) for analyte binding.
• Utilizing changes in reflected color and volumetric swelling/shrinking for detection.
• Metal-ion treatment (KOH) for divalent metal ion sensing.

Main Results:

• The photonic IPN CLCsolid-PAA droplets exhibited pH-responsive color changes.
• Selective detection of urea and glucose was achieved through receptor immobilization and PAA network volume changes.
• Divalent metal ions were detected via a blueshift in reflected color after KOH treatment.
• The sensors demonstrated high selectivity for human serum components, acceptable sensitivity, and extreme stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed photonic IPN CLCsolid-PAA droplets serve as effective, multi-analyte solid-state sensors.
• This platform enables simultaneous detection of pH, metal ions, urea, and glucose in a single array.
• The combination of photonic properties and responsive hydrogel matrices opens new avenues for advanced biosensor development.