Holographic sensor
View Patent ↗A sensor for the detection of an analyte comprising a cis-diol moiety, which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, and wherein the medium is a polymer comprising a group of formula (I): wherein n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; each X (if present) is independently is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and Y is a spacer which, when n is 0 or otherwise optionally, is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom. Such a sensor may be used for the detection of glucose.
1. A method for the detection of an analyte comprising a cis-diol moiety in a fluid, which comprises contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of contraction of the medium due to binding of the cis-diol moiety, and wherein the medium comprises a polymer comprising a group of formula (i)
wherein
n is 1, 2, 3 or 4;
each X is independently an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and
Y is a spacer which, is o- relative to —B(OH) 2 and is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and detecting the change of the optical characteristic of the element.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein any change of the optical characteristic is detected as a colour change.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the contacting comprises passing the fluid continuously over the element.
4. The method according to claim 1 , for the detection of glucose.
5. The method according to claim 1 , for the detection of tartaric acid.
6. A method for the detection of an analyte comprising a cis-diol moiety in a fluid, which comprises contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of contraction of the medium due to binding of the cis-diol moiety, and wherein the medium comprises a polymer comprising a group of formula (ii)
wherein Y is a spacer which is o- relative to —B(OH) 2 which is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and
wherein Y comprises an atom having a lone pair of electrons which is capable of forming an intramolecular bond with B;
and detecting the change of the optical characteristic of the element.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the medium consists essentially of the polymer comprising the group of formula (ii).
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the medium consists of the polymer comprising the group of formula (ii).
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the medium consists essentially of the polymer comprising the group of formula (i).
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the medium consists of the polymer comprising the group of formula (i).
11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein Y comprises an atom having a lone pair of electrons which is capable of forming an intramolecular bond with B.