Hydrophilic polymer matrices in optical array sensing

Whether in a glass chip or multi-well plate, differential array sensors are performed as a series of experiments and their output is compared among each other to obtain the differential signals evaluated by pattern recognition methods. To increase the practicality of performing a large number of experiments the sensor elements are often used as semi-wet gels displaying properties of both the solution and the solid state. Due to their semi-wet nature, such array sensors are easier to handle while offering a mechanical support, the affinity of hydrophilic matrices for water aids in analyte transport, and the tunable hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the matrices can be used adjusting the preference of the chemosensor membrane for different analytes.