No abstract

Analyte-sensitive hydrogels that incorporate optical structures have emerged as sensing platforms for point-of-care diagnostics. The optical properties of the hydrogel sensors can be rationally designed and fabricated through self-assembly, microfabrication or laser writing. The advantages of photonic hydrogel sensors over conventional assay formats include label-free, quantitative, reusable, and continuous measurement capability that can be integrated with equipment-free text or image display. This Review explains the operation principles of photonic hydrogel sensors, presents syntheses of stimuli-responsive polymers, and provides an overview of qualitative and quantitative readout technologies. Applications in clinical samples are discussed, and potential future directions are identified.

Results from the investigation of the diffusion processes in a dry acrylamide-based photopolymer system are presented. The investigation is carried out in the context of experimental work on optimization of the high spatial frequency response of the photopolymer. Tracing the transmission holographic grating dynamics at short times of exposure is utilized to measure diffusion coefficients. The results reveal that two different diffusion processes contribute with opposite sign to the refractive index modulation responsible for the diffraction grating build up.Monomer diffusion from dark to bright fringe areas increases the refractive index modulation. It is characterized with diffusion constant D 0 =1.6.10 -7 cm 2 /s. A second diffusion process takes place during the recording. It decreases the refractive index modulation and we ascribe it to diffusion of short chain polymer molecules and/or radicals from bright to dark fringe areas. The estimated diffusion coefficient for this process is D 0 = 6.35.10 -10 cm 2 /s. The presence of the second process could be responsible for poor high spatial frequency response of the investigated photopolymer 2 system. Comparison with the diffusion in photopolymer systems known for their good response at high spatial frequencies shows that both investigated diffusion processes measured here occur in a much faster time scale.

a b s t r a c tThis article outlines the importance of zeolite synthesis and their unique physicochemical characteristics promoting advanced applications. The main strategies for preparation of zeolites including organic-template assisted, organic-template free and alternative procedures are considered for synthesis of crystallites offering control and fine-tuning of their properties. Besides, rational design of zeolites with pre-determined structure, porosity, size, morphology, and composition are more viable by studying carefully the chemical and physical parameters controlling the zeolite synthesis and understanding the crystallization mechanism. Finally, a particular attention to the preparation of zeolites with nanosized dimensions and their utilization in innovative applications including photovoltaic, medicine and holographic sensors are presented.

A reflection hologram for visual indication of environmental humidity has been studied. The hologram is recorded in a self-developing photopolymer and changes color when exposed to a change in humidity and is fully reversible. The range of color change, reversibility, and the response time of the hologram have been studied in a controlled humidity environment. Fully reversible holograms with response times from few seconds to tens of minutes have been designed. Extremely sensitive bright visual humidity indicators, capable of dramatic color change within a few seconds of breathing on them are demonstrated.