Synlett 2017; 28(09): 1005-1010
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1588721
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Pattern-Generating Unimolecular Sensors: For Future Differential Sensing and Molecular Computing

Bhimsen Rout*
a   Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 138648 Biopolis, Singapore
,
Paul L. Bigliardi
a   Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 138648 Biopolis, Singapore
b   YLL School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and UMC, National University Hospital, Singapore   Email: bhimsen.rout@imb.a-star.edu.sg
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 26 November 2016

Accepted after revision: 24 January 2017

Publication Date:
16 February 2017 (online)


Abstract

Pattern-generating unimolecular sensors are an innovative class of analytical and computing systems that utilize inherent molecular mechanisms to create multiple optical responses in a manner similar to that in which arrays of small reporter molecules can be engineered to function as cross-reactive sensors. Pattern-generating unimolecular sensors can detect and discriminate between a wide range of chemical and biochemical analytes, and they can also be used in computation, where they function as molecular logic devices utilizing chemometric analysis. This feature article summarizes the various pattern-generating approaches and their miniaturization to a unimolecular level in the fields of differential sensing and molecular computing.