Functional polythiophenes as optical chemo- and biosensors

Synthesis of fluorescent, chromic and postfunctionalizable poly [3-(N-succinimido(tetraethoxy)oxy)-4-methylthiophene] is described. This polymer bears succinimidyl carbamate side-chains which are able to react with amine groups, affording new smart polythiophene derivatives. Detection of different analytes (affinitychromism) was realized by UV-Visible and fluorescence means. In order to develop biosensors, water-soluble cationic thiophene-based homopolymers and random copolymers were also investigated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.