Detection of Biomarkers through Functionalized Polymers

Over the past decade, there has been a rising interest in utilizing functionalized porous polymers for sensor applications. By incorporating functional groups into nanostructured materials like hydrogels, nanosheets, and nanopores, exciting new opportunities have emerged for biomarker detection. The ability of functionalized polymers to undergo physical changes and deformations makes them perfect for modulating optical signals. This chemical mechanism enables the creation of biocompatible sensors for in situ biomarker measurement. Here a comprehensive overview of the current publication trends is provided in functionalized polymers, encompassing functional groups that can induce measurable physical deformations. It explores various materials categorized based on their detection targets, which include proteins, carbohydrates, ions, and deoxyribonucleic acid. As such, this work serves as a valuable reference for the development of functionalized polymer-based sensors. The incorporation of functional groups into polymer-based materials such as hydrogels, nanosheets, and nanopores has revolutionized the field of biomarker detection. This comprehensive review explores the latest advancements in materials and techniques employed for polymer functionalization. The sensing targets examined here include proteins, carbohydrates, ions, and DNA. This article is an essential reference for the development of polymer-based sensing technologies.image