Liquid Crystal Based Label-Free Optical Sensors for Biochemical Application

Abstract

Biochemical sensors have important applications in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Nevertheless, many biochemical sensors are hampered by intricate techniques, cumbersome procedures, and the need for labeling. In the past two decades, it has been discovered that liquid crystals can be used to achieve the optical amplification of biological interactions. By modifying recognition molecules, a variety of label-free biochemical sensors can be created. Consequently, biochemical sensors based on the amplification of liquid crystals have become one of the most promising sensors. This paper describes in detail the optical sensing principle of liquid crystals, sensing devices, and optical detection technologies. Meanwhile, the latest research findings are elucidated. Finally, the challenges and future research directions are discussed.