Synlett 2014; 25(08): 1050-1054
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1340639
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Combinatorial Fluorescent Molecular Sensors: The Road to Differential Sensing at the Molecular Level

Bhimsen Rout
a   Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, A*STAR, Organic Chemistry Division, 138665 Biopolis, Singapore
,
Leila Motiei
b   Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, 76100 Rehovot, Israel   Fax: +972(8)9342668   Email: david.margulies@weizmann.ac.il
,
David Margulies*
b   Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, 76100 Rehovot, Israel   Fax: +972(8)9342668   Email: david.margulies@weizmann.ac.il
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 11 December 2013

Accepted: 18 December 2013

Publication Date:
10 February 2014 (online)


Abstract

Combinatorial fluorescent molecular sensors constitute a unique class of analytical systems that integrate the properties of small-molecule luminescent sensors and cross-reactive sensor arrays (the so-called chemical ‘noses/tongues’). On the one hand, these sensors can differentiate between a wide range of analyte combinations and concentrations, akin to pattern-generating arrays. On the other hand, they can operate in the microscopic world, which macroscopic analytical devices cannot access. This feature article summarizes the different approaches that can be used for obtaining multianalyte detection by fluorescent molecular sensors. In particular, it highlights an exciting prospect in the analytical sciences: differential sensing at the molecular level.