High Sensitive and Selective Virus Based Structural Colorimetric Sensor

Inspired by natural colorization, we developed a virus (M13KE bacteriophage) based innovative colorimetric sensor which can detect various kinds of chemicals or contaminant materials. Using M13KE bacteriophage, we self-assembled responsive color matrices composed of quasi-ordered fiber bundle structures. Changes in the fiber bundle structures in response to stimuli led to changes in the color of the matrices. For example, upon exposure to volatile organic solvents (VOCs), the multi-colored matrices exhibited distinct solvent polarity-dependent color changes that could be recognized by the naked eye. Our innovative colorimetric sensors can be useful for many kinds of harmful toxic molecules and pathogens detections to improve national security and public welfare.