Direct Colorimetric Biosensors from Polydiacetylenes

Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) have gained much interest in recent years because of their distinctive chromatic transition property. The PDA molecules can be self-assembled into thin films or vesicles that could undergo blue-red transformations in response to different stimuli, like temperature, pH, and the presence of biological molecules. Due to this unique chromatic property, PDA materials have emerged as an attractive option for biosensing applications. Functionalized PDA has been used as a platform for detection of biological analytes, including viruses, microorganisms, and proteins. In this paper, we will review the formation of PDA films and vesicles, their optical properties, and their potential applications as biosensors.