Colorimetric Sensor Arrays of chemoresponsive dyes.
Simple colorimetric sensor arrays have shown useful in the detection, identification, and quantification of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in gas phase. Furthermore, they have been used to detect and differentiate mixtures of organic compounds dissolved in aqueous solutions. The sensor arrays are inexpensive, and can potentially be produced as single use disposables. The technology relies on an array of dyes immobilized on a solid support. Upon exposure to the analyte the dye array changes colour. Each dye is chosen as to react chemoselectively with analytes of interest.
Hypothesis: This technology can be used as a screening methodology for relevant explosives in a complex background. Obtaining initially the fingerprint of the background and comparing it to the sample fingerprint, a change in signature indicates the presence of unknown explosives and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By comparing to a library, these VOC’s identity may be established. Method: Development of specific molecules that undergoes a specific colour changes and development of an immobilisation method for the molecules. SDU has developed promising molecules (tetrathiafulvalene calyx[4]pyrroles) for this purpose but an immobilisation strategy needs to be developed in collaboration with WP 6. Digital imaging of the dye array before and after exposure to the analytes creates a colour difference map which creates a unique fingerprint for each analyte.