Group Coordinator: Dr. Yalçın Kalkan

The significant role of polymers in sensor technology is an undeniable fact in the scientific world. The primary reason for this is that polymers can be modified to meet specific physical and chemical properties for use in complex electronic measurement devices. This unique feature of polymers has gained immense recognition in the past five years for developing artificial sensors aimed at mimicking natural sensory organs. By replacing traditional sensor materials with nanotechnology-based polymers, improved selectivity and rapid measurements have been achieved. This has been possible through the functionalization of polymers at the molecular level.

In sensor devices, both conducting and insulating polymers are used. Conducting polymers and conducting polymer nanoparticles, in particular, are highly applicable for developing various analyte-detecting elements in sensors and biosensors. Polymers used in these devices either participate in detection mechanisms or immobilize the component responsible for detecting the analyte. Various types of polymer sensors have been developed, including gas sensors, pH sensors, ion-selective sensors, humidity sensors, biosensors, odor sensors, and more. However, with advancing technology, there is a need to develop more sensitive and functional polymer-based sensors. At this point, the use of nanoscale polymers allows for the creation of smaller, more complex, and more precise polymer-based sensors. The effective use of polymers in sensor technology also enables the production of more durable and cost-effective sensor devices.

Considering the importance of polymer-based sensors, advanced technology products can be developed and R&D activities can be conducted using the infrastructure available at NÜRDAM.