Cross-responsive polythiophenes: A unique approach towards molecular recognition and molecular sensing

The correct identification and discrimination of structurally similar compounds are important in the fields of molecular recognition and molecular sensing. Poly(thiophene)s have served as ideal chemosensors due to their enhanced stability and sensitivity to interactions between target analytes and functional groups off the polymer main-chain. Despite the utility of conjugated polymers to act as useful platforms for the development of chemical and biological sensors, existing designs have been severely curtailed by the limited analysis carried out on the response from these materials to target analytes. The research presented will demonstrate how cross-responsive, water-soluble poly(thiophene)s are potent chemosensors for the detection of analytes of environmental importance. First, a study will be presented on how the combination of multivariate statistics and the cross-responsive capabilities of carboxylated substituted poly(thiophene)s were used to detect and discriminate a plethora of structurally similar analytes with high accuracy. Then a unique approach towards generating conjugated poly(thiophene)s sensor arrays for the detection and discrimination of biogenic amines and divalent metal ions with extraordinary efficiency will be shown. In addition, throughout the course of this talk, the applications of cross-responsive poly(thiophene)s to serve as a food freshness sensor will be presented.