Smart Polymers in Micro and Nano Sensory Devices

Abstract

The present review presents the most recent developments concerning the application of sensory polymers in the detection and quantification of different target species. We will firstly describe the main polymers that are being employed as sensory polymers, including, for example, conducting or acrylate-based polymers. In the second part of the review, we will briefly describe the different mechanisms of detection and the target species, such as metal cations and anions, explosives, and biological and biomedical substances. To conclude, we will describe the advancements in recent years concerning the fabrication of micro and nano sensory devices based on smart polymers, with a bibliographic revision of the research work published between 2005 and today, with special emphasis on research work presented since 2010. A final section exposing the perspectives and challenges of this interesting research line will end the present review article.

Polypyrrole based biofunctional composite layer for bioelectrocatalytic device system

“…The determined Michaelis-Menten constant value is significantly lower than that of free enzyme indicating enhanced enzyme efficiency when it is immobilized into electroconducting polymer matrix. This can be achieved by conductive polymers [27] because of a number of favorable characteristics among which is direct and easy deposition on the sensor electrode by electrochemical oxidation of the monomer. Although the application of pyrrole derivative within direct bioelectrocatalysis is common regarding to its composite.…”

Polymer-Based Chemical Sensors

“…Reglero Ruiz et al [23] present a complete review listing the most recent developments concerning the application of sensory polymers in the detection and quantification of different target species. The review describes the main polymers employed as sensory polymers, including, for example, conducting polymers, acrylate-based polymers and polymer nanocomposites, the different mechanisms of detection and the target species, such as metal cations and anions, explosives, and biological and biomedical substances, ending with the advancements concerning the fabrication of micro and nano sensory devices based on smart polymers.…”

Thermally Switchable Electrically Conductive Thermoset rGO/PK Self-Healing Composites

“…Hajebi et al proposed a temperature and pH-responsive nanogel for the controlled release of doxorubicin [ 6 ]. Furthermore, smart polymers are used to fabricate high-performance sensors [ 7 ], in chromatography [ 8 ] and in the oil industry [ 9 ]. Nowadays, smart materials are also endowed with certain self-healing characteristics [ 10 ], that are fully inspired by the typical mechanisms of the biological world [ 11 ].…”