Recent Progress in Sensor Arrays: From Construction Principles of Sensing Elements to Applications

The traditional sensors are designed based on the lock-and-key strategy with high selectivity and specificity for detecting specific analytes, which however are not suitable for detecting multiple analytes simultaneously. With the help of pattern recognition technologies, the sensor arrays excel in distinguishing subtle changes caused by multitarget analytes with similar structures in a complex system. To construct a sensor array, the multiple sensing elements are undoubtedly indispensable units that will selectively interact with targets to generate the unique fingerprints based on the distinct responses, enabling the identification among various analytes through pattern recognition methods. This comprehensive review mainly focuses on the construction strategies and principles of sensing elements, as well as the applications of sensor array for identification and detection of target analytes in a wide range of fields. Furthermore, the present challenges and further perspectives of sensor arrays are discussed in detail.

Automated summary

Traditional sensors designed based on the lock-and-key strategy are not suitable for detecting multiple analytes simultaneously. Sensor arrays, aided by pattern recognition technologies, excel in distinguishing subtle changes caused by multitarget analytes with similar structures. This review focuses on the construction strategies and principles of sensing elements in sensor arrays, as well as their applications in identifying and detecting target analytes in various fields. The present challenges and further perspectives of sensor arrays are also discussed in detail.