Giancarla Alberti | University of Pavia (original) (raw)

Papers by Giancarla Alberti

AppliedChem

In the last twenty years, the number of publications presenting generalized pH-sensitive devices ... more In the last twenty years, the number of publications presenting generalized pH-sensitive devices proposed for food freshness monitoring has been steadily growing, but to date, none of them have succeeded in exiting the laboratory and reaching the supermarket shelf. To reach this scope, we developed a large-scale applicable pH-sensitive sensor array to monitor perishable foods’ degradation. We ensured freshness monitoring in domestic conditions, using sales packages and during chilled storage, by simple naked-eye readout and multivariate imaging analysis, and we fully corroborated the device by (i) projection of unknown independent samples in the PCA model, (ii) TVB-N quantification and (iii) microbiological assay. The choice of commercial and cheap dye and polymeric support already employed in food packaging ensures the low-cost and scalability of the device and the promising results obtained make this device an eligible candidate for large-scale implementation.

A simple, small size, and low cost sensor based on a Deferoxamine Self Assembled Monolayer (DFO-S... more A simple, small size, and low cost sensor based on a Deferoxamine Self Assembled Monolayer (DFO-SAM) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) transduction, in connection with a Plastic Optical Fiber (POF), has been developed for the selective detection of Fe(III). DFO-SAM sensors based on appropriate electrochemical techniques can be frequently found in the scientific literature. In this work, we present the first example of a DFO-SAM sensor based on SPR in an optical fiber. The SPR sensing platform was realized by removing the cladding of a plastic optical fiber along half the circumference, spin coating a buffer of Microposit S1813 photoresist on the exposed core, and finally sputtering a thin gold film. The hydroxamate siderophore deferoxamine (DFO), having high binding affinity for Fe(III), is then used in its immobilized form, as self-assembled monolayer on the gold layer surface of the POF sensor. The results showed that the DFO-SAM-POF-sensor was able to sense the formation of the Fe(III)/DFO complex in the range of concentrations between 1 μm and 50 μm with a linearity range from 0 to 30 μm of Fe(III). The selectivity of the sensor was also proved by interference tests.

ChemSusChem, 2021

The transition to a circular economy vision must handle the increasing request of metals required... more The transition to a circular economy vision must handle the increasing request of metals required to satisfy the battery industry; this can be obtained by recycling and feeding back secondary raw materials recovered through proper waste management. Here a novel and green proof-of-concept is proposed, based on deep eutectic solvents (DES) to fully and easily recover valuable metals from various cathode active materials, including LiMn 2 O 4 LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 and LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 . DES composed of choline chloride and lactic acid can leach Li, Mn, Co and Ni, achieving efficiency of 100% under much milder conditions with respect to the previous literature. For the first time, to our best knowledge, a two-step approach is reported in the case of LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 for selective recovery of Li, Co and Ni with high yield and purity. Furthermore, other cathode components, namely aluminium current collector and binder, were found to be not dissolved by the proposed DES, so making it possible for a simple separation from the active material. Finally, our strategy is designed to easily regenerate and reuse the leaching solvents for more than one extraction, thus further boosting the process's sustainability.

Biosensors, 2021

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform, based on a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF), comb... more A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform, based on a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF), combined with a biomimetic receptor, i.e., a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), is proposed to detect furfural (2-furaldheide, 2-FAL) in fermented beverages like wine. MIPs have been demonstrated to be a very convenient biomimetic receptor in the proposed sensing device, being easy and rapid to develop, suitable for on-site determinations at low concentrations, and cheap. Moreover, the MIP film thickness can be changed to modulate the sensing parameters. The possibility of performing single drop measurements is a further favorable aspect for practical applications. For example, the use of an SPR-MIP sensor for the analysis of 2-FAL in a real life matrix such as wine is proposed, obtaining a low detection limit of 0.004 mg L−1. The determination of 2-FAL in fermented beverages is becoming a crucial task, mainly for the effects of the furanic compounds on the flavor of food and their toxic a...

Chemical Engineering Journal, 2017

The time-evolution of Cd 2+ ion sorption by Chelex 100 resin was studied in batch experiments as ... more The time-evolution of Cd 2+ ion sorption by Chelex 100 resin was studied in batch experiments as a function of time, pH, ionic strength, stirring rate, mass of resin and initial metal ion concentration. In the experimental conditions, the amount of resin sites are in excess with respect to the amount of metal ion, leading to extensive depletion of intraparticle diffusion control, it proves to be accurate in a wider range of values of the mass transfer Biot number and solution/resin metal ratios.

Analytical Sciences the International Journal of the Japan Society For Analytical Chemistry, Oct 10, 2012

Chemical Papers, 2015

The development of a sensor based on the functionalization of common filter paper with deferoxami... more The development of a sensor based on the functionalization of common filter paper with deferoxamine (DFO) is proposed with the prospect to produce a solid phase for iron(III) and vanadium(V) sensing. The main features of this sensor are the simplicity of operation, good sensitivity and feasible applicability to real samples without the need of pre-treatment procedures. DFO was selected not only for it is easily anchored to the solid support, but also because it forms colored complexes with iron(III) and vanadium(V); hence, the developing of a simple colorimetric sensor can be considered. In particular, an innovative and economic way to perform colorimetric measurements using a desktop scanner is described. A complete characterization of the functionalized material is also reported.

2014 Fotonica AEIT Italian Conference on Photonics Technologies, 2014

ABSTRACT In this work we present a multichannel chemical sensor based on Surface Plasmon Resonanc... more ABSTRACT In this work we present a multichannel chemical sensor based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) in a Plastic Optical Fiber (POF), for the detection of metal ions. The SPR sensing platform was realized removing the cladding of a plastic optical fiber along half circumference, spin coating on the exposed core a buffer of Microposit S1813 photoresist, and finally sputtering a thin gold film by using a sputtering machine. The planar gold layer can be employed for the preparation of a Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM) with specific binding receptor. In the present study two different ligands for Fe(III) and Cu(II) are linked on the gold surface obtaining two SAM-POF sensors.

Journal de Physique IV (Proceedings), 2003

The complexation properties of some drinking waters for U (VI), Al (IIl) and Cu (ll) are determin... more The complexation properties of some drinking waters for U (VI), Al (IIl) and Cu (ll) are determined by ligand titration (LT) with the metal ions, using a new method for monitoring, i. e. the sorpion of metal ion on complexing resins. The concentration of the free metal ion in solution is evaluated from the concentration of sorbed metal ion and from the quantity K*, which is the ratio of the concentration of the metal ion sorbed on the resin to the concentration of free metal ion in solution, and can be independently evaluated. The concentration of the ligands in solution (cl) and the conditional stability constant (KM (I)) are obtained by the Ruzic linearization. Different resins, i. e. the iminodiacetic resin Chelex 100, the carboxylic resin Amberlite CG 50 and the anion exchange resin AGIX8 were used for monitoring the titration, since they have different sorbing properties, and in principe they allow the detection of different ligands. Ligands at low concentration and with very high complexation constants were detected in the considered samples. Particularly in the case of U (VI), they are able to complex the metal ion much more strongly than the ligands that are usually considered in aqueous solution, i. e. carbonate and hydroxyl.

Chemical Papers, 2014

Current cancer treatments lead to insufficient distribution of therapeutic agents in tumor cells ... more Current cancer treatments lead to insufficient distribution of therapeutic agents in tumor cells due to their lack of selectivity often causing adverse effects in the normal cell uptake of the drug. The challenge is to design therapeutic drugs able to maximize the treatment of malignant cancers while minimizing their adverse effects. In this study, 10B incorporation in the B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell line MEC-1 was investigated. The cells were treated with l-p-10borophenylalanine (10BPA) and 10boron immuno-nanoparticles (BNPs) loaded with 10BPA with or without the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody for different contact times. The uptake of 10B by the cells was determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid mineralization. To obtain accurate and consistent data, the analytical procedure was optimized using factorial experimental design. It was observed that BNP loaded with 10BPA and anti-CD20 represents the best carrier system for 10B in B cell...

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2012

New methods for determination of explosive substances as, for example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT... more New methods for determination of explosive substances as, for example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), in a rapid way and at low cost are highly required. An electrochemical platform has been here developed with good characteristics of low dimension, fast response, low cost, and high selectivity. It is based on a commercially available screen printed cell with graphite ink working and auxiliary electrodes and a silver ink quasi-reference electrode. The whole cell is covered with a thick layer of cation exchanging acrylic polymer molecularly imprinted with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. The polymeric layer acts at the same time as electrolytic medium and selective receptor. It has been demonstrated that, in this medium, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is electroactive at graphite electrode, being reduced by a non-reversible reaction. The peak current (differential pulse voltammogram) is proportional to TNT concentration with limit of detection for TNT around 5×10 −7 M and linearity range up to 2×10 −5 M. The selectivity for TNT relative to other reducible compounds as, for example, nitroaromatic derivatives, and to other possible interfering substances, as negatively charged ions, is good. Measurements can be performed in not de-aerated solution and in small volumes (20 μl), so that the proposed platform is very promising for in situ determinations.

Chemosensors

Deferoxamine (DFO), a hydroxamic siderophore with a high affinity for Fe(III), is immobilized as ... more Deferoxamine (DFO), a hydroxamic siderophore with a high affinity for Fe(III), is immobilized as a functionalized self-assembled monolayer of a thiol (SAM) on the gold surface of a screen-printed cell to develop a voltammetric sensor for iron(III). The surface of the working electrode was characterized, before and after functionalization, by determining surface properties such as the area and the double-layer capacitance. The Fe(III) detection was performed by DPV analysis after preconcentration of the cation at the open circuit potential in solution at pH = 1 for two minutes. The method was applied to the iron(III) quantification in water samples giving promising results.

Chemosensors, 2020

The paper presents the synthesis and preliminary characterization of two novel solid-phase sorben... more The paper presents the synthesis and preliminary characterization of two novel solid-phase sorbents for iron(III), resulting from the functionalization of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) with deferoxamine, DFO (DFO@EVOH), and a novel tripodal 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone, named 3,4-HP (3,4-HP@EVOH). DFO and 3,4-HP have been covalently bonded to EVOH, using carbonyldiimidazole as a coupling agent. Before their use as Fe(III) sorbents, they were warm-pressed to obtain a thin film. Polymers have been characterized by conventional physico-chemical techniques; furthermore, the sorption properties towards Fe(III) were investigated. The physico-chemical characterization of the new solid-state devices demonstrates the effective linkage of the two receptors on the polymeric support. Despite a relatively low sorption capacity for both materials, the stoichiometry and the complexation constants of Fe(III)/DFO@EVOH and Fe(III)/3,4-HP@EVOH are in pretty good agreement with those obtained for t...

Chemosensors, 2021

Gold and Silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs) are perfect platforms for developing sensing colo... more Gold and Silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs) are perfect platforms for developing sensing colorimetric devices thanks to their high surface to volume ratio and distinctive optical properties, particularly sensitive to changes in the surrounding environment. These characteristics ensure high sensitivity in colorimetric devices. Au and Ag nanoparticles can be capped with suitable molecules that can act as specific analyte receptors, so highly selective sensors can be obtained. This review aims to highlight the principal strategies developed during the last decade concerning the preparation of Au and Ag nanoparticle-based colorimetric sensors, with particular attention to environmental and health monitoring applications.

Chemosensors, 2021

This review illustrates various types of polymer and nanocomposite polymeric based sensors used i... more This review illustrates various types of polymer and nanocomposite polymeric based sensors used in a wide variety of devices. Moreover, it provides an overview of the trends and challenges in sensor research. As fundamental components of new devices, polymers play an important role in sensing applications. Indeed, polymers offer many advantages for sensor technologies: their manufacturing methods are pretty simple, they are relatively low-cost materials, and they can be functionalized and placed on different substrates. Polymers can participate in sensing mechanisms or act as supports for the sensing units. Another good quality of polymer-based materials is that their chemical structure can be modified to enhance their reactivity, biocompatibility, resistance to degradation, and flexibility.

AppliedChem

In the last twenty years, the number of publications presenting generalized pH-sensitive devices ... more In the last twenty years, the number of publications presenting generalized pH-sensitive devices proposed for food freshness monitoring has been steadily growing, but to date, none of them have succeeded in exiting the laboratory and reaching the supermarket shelf. To reach this scope, we developed a large-scale applicable pH-sensitive sensor array to monitor perishable foods’ degradation. We ensured freshness monitoring in domestic conditions, using sales packages and during chilled storage, by simple naked-eye readout and multivariate imaging analysis, and we fully corroborated the device by (i) projection of unknown independent samples in the PCA model, (ii) TVB-N quantification and (iii) microbiological assay. The choice of commercial and cheap dye and polymeric support already employed in food packaging ensures the low-cost and scalability of the device and the promising results obtained make this device an eligible candidate for large-scale implementation.

A simple, small size, and low cost sensor based on a Deferoxamine Self Assembled Monolayer (DFO-S... more A simple, small size, and low cost sensor based on a Deferoxamine Self Assembled Monolayer (DFO-SAM) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) transduction, in connection with a Plastic Optical Fiber (POF), has been developed for the selective detection of Fe(III). DFO-SAM sensors based on appropriate electrochemical techniques can be frequently found in the scientific literature. In this work, we present the first example of a DFO-SAM sensor based on SPR in an optical fiber. The SPR sensing platform was realized by removing the cladding of a plastic optical fiber along half the circumference, spin coating a buffer of Microposit S1813 photoresist on the exposed core, and finally sputtering a thin gold film. The hydroxamate siderophore deferoxamine (DFO), having high binding affinity for Fe(III), is then used in its immobilized form, as self-assembled monolayer on the gold layer surface of the POF sensor. The results showed that the DFO-SAM-POF-sensor was able to sense the formation of the Fe(III)/DFO complex in the range of concentrations between 1 μm and 50 μm with a linearity range from 0 to 30 μm of Fe(III). The selectivity of the sensor was also proved by interference tests.

ChemSusChem, 2021

The transition to a circular economy vision must handle the increasing request of metals required... more The transition to a circular economy vision must handle the increasing request of metals required to satisfy the battery industry; this can be obtained by recycling and feeding back secondary raw materials recovered through proper waste management. Here a novel and green proof-of-concept is proposed, based on deep eutectic solvents (DES) to fully and easily recover valuable metals from various cathode active materials, including LiMn 2 O 4 LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 and LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 . DES composed of choline chloride and lactic acid can leach Li, Mn, Co and Ni, achieving efficiency of 100% under much milder conditions with respect to the previous literature. For the first time, to our best knowledge, a two-step approach is reported in the case of LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 for selective recovery of Li, Co and Ni with high yield and purity. Furthermore, other cathode components, namely aluminium current collector and binder, were found to be not dissolved by the proposed DES, so making it possible for a simple separation from the active material. Finally, our strategy is designed to easily regenerate and reuse the leaching solvents for more than one extraction, thus further boosting the process's sustainability.

Biosensors, 2021

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform, based on a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF), comb... more A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform, based on a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF), combined with a biomimetic receptor, i.e., a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), is proposed to detect furfural (2-furaldheide, 2-FAL) in fermented beverages like wine. MIPs have been demonstrated to be a very convenient biomimetic receptor in the proposed sensing device, being easy and rapid to develop, suitable for on-site determinations at low concentrations, and cheap. Moreover, the MIP film thickness can be changed to modulate the sensing parameters. The possibility of performing single drop measurements is a further favorable aspect for practical applications. For example, the use of an SPR-MIP sensor for the analysis of 2-FAL in a real life matrix such as wine is proposed, obtaining a low detection limit of 0.004 mg L−1. The determination of 2-FAL in fermented beverages is becoming a crucial task, mainly for the effects of the furanic compounds on the flavor of food and their toxic a...

Chemical Engineering Journal, 2017

The time-evolution of Cd 2+ ion sorption by Chelex 100 resin was studied in batch experiments as ... more The time-evolution of Cd 2+ ion sorption by Chelex 100 resin was studied in batch experiments as a function of time, pH, ionic strength, stirring rate, mass of resin and initial metal ion concentration. In the experimental conditions, the amount of resin sites are in excess with respect to the amount of metal ion, leading to extensive depletion of intraparticle diffusion control, it proves to be accurate in a wider range of values of the mass transfer Biot number and solution/resin metal ratios.

Analytical Sciences the International Journal of the Japan Society For Analytical Chemistry, Oct 10, 2012

Chemical Papers, 2015

The development of a sensor based on the functionalization of common filter paper with deferoxami... more The development of a sensor based on the functionalization of common filter paper with deferoxamine (DFO) is proposed with the prospect to produce a solid phase for iron(III) and vanadium(V) sensing. The main features of this sensor are the simplicity of operation, good sensitivity and feasible applicability to real samples without the need of pre-treatment procedures. DFO was selected not only for it is easily anchored to the solid support, but also because it forms colored complexes with iron(III) and vanadium(V); hence, the developing of a simple colorimetric sensor can be considered. In particular, an innovative and economic way to perform colorimetric measurements using a desktop scanner is described. A complete characterization of the functionalized material is also reported.

2014 Fotonica AEIT Italian Conference on Photonics Technologies, 2014

ABSTRACT In this work we present a multichannel chemical sensor based on Surface Plasmon Resonanc... more ABSTRACT In this work we present a multichannel chemical sensor based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) in a Plastic Optical Fiber (POF), for the detection of metal ions. The SPR sensing platform was realized removing the cladding of a plastic optical fiber along half circumference, spin coating on the exposed core a buffer of Microposit S1813 photoresist, and finally sputtering a thin gold film by using a sputtering machine. The planar gold layer can be employed for the preparation of a Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM) with specific binding receptor. In the present study two different ligands for Fe(III) and Cu(II) are linked on the gold surface obtaining two SAM-POF sensors.

Journal de Physique IV (Proceedings), 2003

The complexation properties of some drinking waters for U (VI), Al (IIl) and Cu (ll) are determin... more The complexation properties of some drinking waters for U (VI), Al (IIl) and Cu (ll) are determined by ligand titration (LT) with the metal ions, using a new method for monitoring, i. e. the sorpion of metal ion on complexing resins. The concentration of the free metal ion in solution is evaluated from the concentration of sorbed metal ion and from the quantity K*, which is the ratio of the concentration of the metal ion sorbed on the resin to the concentration of free metal ion in solution, and can be independently evaluated. The concentration of the ligands in solution (cl) and the conditional stability constant (KM (I)) are obtained by the Ruzic linearization. Different resins, i. e. the iminodiacetic resin Chelex 100, the carboxylic resin Amberlite CG 50 and the anion exchange resin AGIX8 were used for monitoring the titration, since they have different sorbing properties, and in principe they allow the detection of different ligands. Ligands at low concentration and with very high complexation constants were detected in the considered samples. Particularly in the case of U (VI), they are able to complex the metal ion much more strongly than the ligands that are usually considered in aqueous solution, i. e. carbonate and hydroxyl.

Chemical Papers, 2014

Current cancer treatments lead to insufficient distribution of therapeutic agents in tumor cells ... more Current cancer treatments lead to insufficient distribution of therapeutic agents in tumor cells due to their lack of selectivity often causing adverse effects in the normal cell uptake of the drug. The challenge is to design therapeutic drugs able to maximize the treatment of malignant cancers while minimizing their adverse effects. In this study, 10B incorporation in the B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell line MEC-1 was investigated. The cells were treated with l-p-10borophenylalanine (10BPA) and 10boron immuno-nanoparticles (BNPs) loaded with 10BPA with or without the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody for different contact times. The uptake of 10B by the cells was determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid mineralization. To obtain accurate and consistent data, the analytical procedure was optimized using factorial experimental design. It was observed that BNP loaded with 10BPA and anti-CD20 represents the best carrier system for 10B in B cell...

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2012

New methods for determination of explosive substances as, for example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT... more New methods for determination of explosive substances as, for example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), in a rapid way and at low cost are highly required. An electrochemical platform has been here developed with good characteristics of low dimension, fast response, low cost, and high selectivity. It is based on a commercially available screen printed cell with graphite ink working and auxiliary electrodes and a silver ink quasi-reference electrode. The whole cell is covered with a thick layer of cation exchanging acrylic polymer molecularly imprinted with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. The polymeric layer acts at the same time as electrolytic medium and selective receptor. It has been demonstrated that, in this medium, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is electroactive at graphite electrode, being reduced by a non-reversible reaction. The peak current (differential pulse voltammogram) is proportional to TNT concentration with limit of detection for TNT around 5×10 −7 M and linearity range up to 2×10 −5 M. The selectivity for TNT relative to other reducible compounds as, for example, nitroaromatic derivatives, and to other possible interfering substances, as negatively charged ions, is good. Measurements can be performed in not de-aerated solution and in small volumes (20 μl), so that the proposed platform is very promising for in situ determinations.

Chemosensors

Deferoxamine (DFO), a hydroxamic siderophore with a high affinity for Fe(III), is immobilized as ... more Deferoxamine (DFO), a hydroxamic siderophore with a high affinity for Fe(III), is immobilized as a functionalized self-assembled monolayer of a thiol (SAM) on the gold surface of a screen-printed cell to develop a voltammetric sensor for iron(III). The surface of the working electrode was characterized, before and after functionalization, by determining surface properties such as the area and the double-layer capacitance. The Fe(III) detection was performed by DPV analysis after preconcentration of the cation at the open circuit potential in solution at pH = 1 for two minutes. The method was applied to the iron(III) quantification in water samples giving promising results.

Chemosensors, 2020

The paper presents the synthesis and preliminary characterization of two novel solid-phase sorben... more The paper presents the synthesis and preliminary characterization of two novel solid-phase sorbents for iron(III), resulting from the functionalization of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) with deferoxamine, DFO (DFO@EVOH), and a novel tripodal 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone, named 3,4-HP (3,4-HP@EVOH). DFO and 3,4-HP have been covalently bonded to EVOH, using carbonyldiimidazole as a coupling agent. Before their use as Fe(III) sorbents, they were warm-pressed to obtain a thin film. Polymers have been characterized by conventional physico-chemical techniques; furthermore, the sorption properties towards Fe(III) were investigated. The physico-chemical characterization of the new solid-state devices demonstrates the effective linkage of the two receptors on the polymeric support. Despite a relatively low sorption capacity for both materials, the stoichiometry and the complexation constants of Fe(III)/DFO@EVOH and Fe(III)/3,4-HP@EVOH are in pretty good agreement with those obtained for t...

Chemosensors, 2021

Gold and Silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs) are perfect platforms for developing sensing colo... more Gold and Silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs) are perfect platforms for developing sensing colorimetric devices thanks to their high surface to volume ratio and distinctive optical properties, particularly sensitive to changes in the surrounding environment. These characteristics ensure high sensitivity in colorimetric devices. Au and Ag nanoparticles can be capped with suitable molecules that can act as specific analyte receptors, so highly selective sensors can be obtained. This review aims to highlight the principal strategies developed during the last decade concerning the preparation of Au and Ag nanoparticle-based colorimetric sensors, with particular attention to environmental and health monitoring applications.

Chemosensors, 2021

This review illustrates various types of polymer and nanocomposite polymeric based sensors used i... more This review illustrates various types of polymer and nanocomposite polymeric based sensors used in a wide variety of devices. Moreover, it provides an overview of the trends and challenges in sensor research. As fundamental components of new devices, polymers play an important role in sensing applications. Indeed, polymers offer many advantages for sensor technologies: their manufacturing methods are pretty simple, they are relatively low-cost materials, and they can be functionalized and placed on different substrates. Polymers can participate in sensing mechanisms or act as supports for the sensing units. Another good quality of polymer-based materials is that their chemical structure can be modified to enhance their reactivity, biocompatibility, resistance to degradation, and flexibility.