# Surface functionalization strategies for polydiacetylene-based colorimetric sensors

## TL;DR

This paper reviews methods to improve the performance of color-changing sensors made from polydiacetylene for better detection accuracy and stability.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of functionalization strategies to enhance the sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of PDA-based sensors.

## Key findings

- Chemical modification with reactive groups can improve sensor performance.
- Conjugation with ligands or receptors enhances selectivity.
- Integration with nanomaterials offers additional functionalization benefits.

## Abstract

Polydiacetylene (PDA)-based colorimetric sensors offer a promising platform for rapid and visual detection, through a chromatic transition from blue to red. However, their broader applications are hindered by challenges in sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. This review comprehensively overviews functionalization strategies to overcome existing limitations, including chemical modification with reactive groups, conjugation with specific ligands or receptors, and integration with nanomaterials. Alternative approaches are also discussed. The interplay between base materials, deposition methods, and functionalization efficiencies is emphasized. Furthermore, this review addresses remaining challenges, proposes feasible solutions, and offers insights into future strategic directions for creating more advanced PDA-based colorimetric sensors.

Polydiacetylene (PDA)-based colorimetric sensors have potential for rapid visual detection. However, their broader application remains limited by issues of sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. Here, the authors review functionalization strategies to overcome existing limitations, including chemical modification with reactive groups, conjugation with specific ligands or receptors, and integration with nanomaterials.