Novel Sensing Array Nanomaterials: Molecularly-Mediated Assemblies of Nanoparticles

Nanostructured sensing arrays combined with patternrecognition analysis are expected to provide new opportunities for enhancing the design of sensor materials in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. This paper describes an example in which the sensory properties of the thin film assemblies are exceptionally fine-tunable in terms of nanoparticle size, composition, thickness, and spatial properties. We discuss the results from an investigation of the design and construction of plug-and-play portable interdigitated microelectrode sensor arrays which involve a series of molecularly-mediated assemblies of nanoparticles on interdigitated microelectrodes for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the data analysis based on pattern recognition techniques. Our findings are significant because the nanostructure sequesters chemical or biological molecules into the interior or surface with porous access or specific binding properties, which alter or modify the electrical properties of the nanostructures.