Array-based "Chemical Nose" Sensing in Diagnostics and Drug Discovery.

ABSTRACT

Array-based sensor "chemical nose/tongue" platforms are inspired by the mammalian olfactory system. Multiple sensor elements in these devices selectively interact with target analytes, producing a distinct pattern of response and enabling analyte identification. This approach offers unique opportunities relative to "traditional" highly specific sensor elements such as antibodies. Array-based sensors excel at distinguishing small changes in complex mixtures, and this capability is being leveraged for chemical biology studies and clinical pathology, enabled by a diverse toolkit of new molecular, bioconjugate and nanomaterial technologies. Innovation in the design and analysis of arrays provides a robust set of tools for advancing biomedical goals, including precision medicine.