Oxygen-Sensitive Optical Nanosensors: Current Advances and Future Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Oxygen sensing is critical for cellular metabolism, disease research, and industrial/environmental monitoring.
• Optical sensing offers precise, non-invasive methods for oxygen detection across various scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in optical oxygen sensor architectures (nanometer to sub-micrometer scale).
• To discuss transduction methods and applications in vitro, in vivo/in situ, and nonbiological systems.
• To outline future directions for enhanced sensing capabilities and accessibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of key developments in optical architectures for oxygen sensing.
• Analysis of transduction mechanisms and diverse application areas.
• Discussion of strategies to improve sensor accessibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Main Results:

• Optical oxygen sensors have shown significant progress in nanometer to sub-micrometer scales.
• Applications span in vitro, in vivo/in situ, and nonbiological systems.
• Future directions focus on expanding sensing domains and improving user accessibility.

Conclusions:

• Further development of optical oxygen sensors requires standardized protocols and scalable production.
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations is crucial for translating fundamental research into applied tools.
• Addressing these challenges will lead to more versatile and accessible oxygen sensors, driving innovation across disciplines.