Optical sensors (optodes) for multiparameter chemical imaging: classification, challenges, and prospects

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Imaging
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Chemical gradients are prevalent in natural and artificial systems, necessitating advanced visualization techniques.
• Chemical imaging has become crucial across analytical chemistry for understanding analyte distribution.
• Optical sensors (optodes) offer real-time, multidimensional imaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technological advancements in optode-based chemical imaging.
• To explore strategies for achieving simultaneous multiparameter imaging.
• To discuss current trends, challenges, and future prospects in optode technology.

Main Methods:

• Focus on optical sensors (optodes) for real-time, multidimensional imaging.
• Discuss technological milestones enabling optode-based chemical imaging.
• Examine strategies for multiparameter imaging, including novel receptors and data analysis techniques (chemometrics, machine learning).

Main Results:

• Optodes facilitate simultaneous imaging of multiple chemical, physical, and biological parameters.
• Technological progress has enabled sophisticated optode-based chemical imaging.
• Integration of novel receptors and advanced data analysis enhances multiparameter capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Optode-based multiparameter imaging is a rapidly advancing field with significant potential.
• This technology provides novel insights into complex samples across disciplines.
• Future developments promise broader applications and deeper understanding of chemical distributions.