Multishell microspheres with integrated chromatographic and detection layers for use in array sensors

The development of miniaturized chromatographic systems localized within individual polymer microspheres and their incorporation into a bead-based cross-reactive sensor array platform is reported. The integrated chromatographic and detection concept is based on the creation of distinct functional layers within the microspheres. In this first example of the new methodology, complexing ligands have been selectively immobilized to create "separation" layers harboring an affinity for various metal cations. Additionally, a broadly responsive compleximetric dye is used to yield the "detection" layers that exhibit optical responses in the presence of a wide range of metal cations. Information concerning the identities and concentrations of solution-dissolved metal cations can be drawn from the temporal properties of the beads' optical responses. Varying the nature of the ligand in the separation shell yields a collection of cross-reactive sensing elements well-suited for use in array-based micrototal analysis systems. Accordingly, such beads have been incorporated into the "Electronic Taste Chip" platform and used for discriminating among aqueous metal cation solutions.