Polyampholyte Polymers‐Based Sensors: A Review on Stimuli and Applications

Abstract

Abstract Polyampholytes are a specific type of zwitterionic materials composed of monomers with both positive and negative charges. These materials can be synthesized through various methods, such as free radical, anionic, or cationic polymerization, or by modifying existing polymers through postpolymerization processes. Polyampholytes possess unique properties that make them attractive for a wide range of applications, particularly in sensor technology. They can undergo conformational changes in response to external stimuli like pH variations, temperature fluctuations, or changes in salt concentration. These properties have led to their application in biosensors, salt and ion sensors, pH sensors, fluorescence‐based sensors, strain sensors, and thermosensitive sensors. It is worth noting that in some cases polyampholytes can respond to multiple stimuli simultaneously. Overall, polyampholytes are drawing great attention for their excellent mechanical properties including self‐healing, high toughness, and fatigue resistance. Thus, this review is focused on advances that are made to develop polyampholyte polymer‐based sensors in different applications.

Keywords

• block copolymers
• hydrogels
• polyampholyte
• sensors