A review on application of polymers-based optical chemosensors in glucose detection

Abstract

Application of polymers in optical chemosensors for glucose detection has gained significant attention due to their versatility, sensitivity, and adaptability. These polymer-based sensors including molecularly imprinted polymers, polymer nanoparticles, conjugated polymers, and hydrogels leverage optical phenomena such as fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to achieve precise glucose detection in medical, biological, and environmental contexts. These materials are capable of binding glucose molecules with high specificity, facilitated by their tailored functional groups and advanced design. Optical chemosensors provide several advantages over traditional electrochemical sensors, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, label-free detection, and potential for remote sensing. Furthermore, they offer enhanced reproducibility and internal calibration, making them suitable for continuous and non-invasive glucose monitoring. Despite these advancements, challenges such as environmental stability, interference from biological molecules, and limitations in long-term performance are remained. Strategies to overcome these challenges include the development of multi-responsive polymers and hybrid materials that can adapt to varying conditions such as temperature, pH, and pressure. This review focuses on polymer-based optical sensors, including hydrogels, polymer nanoparticles, conjugated polymers, and molecularly imprinted polymers, which have demonstrated significant potential for glucose detection across a range of environments. The discussion emphasizes the current performance of these molecular probes and chemosensors, particularly in terms of their sensitivity and selectivity, in relation to practical application requirements. By analyzing these advancements, the review aims to inspire the development of next-generation systems with enhanced capabilities to address existing limitations and meet the growing demands of biomedical and diagnostic applications.