Combining porphyrins and pH indicators for analyte detection

High sensitivity and cross-selectivity are mandatory properties for sensor arrays. Although metalloporphyrins and pH indicators are among the most common and appropriate choices for the preparation of optical sensor arrays, the sensitivity spectrum of these dyes is limited to those analytes able to induce an optical response. To extend the receptive field of optical sensors, we explore the design of composite materials, where the molecular interaction among the subunits enriches their sensing working mechanisms. We demonstrate that blends of single metalloporphyrins and pH indicators, tested with a transduction apparatus based on ubiquitous and easily available hardware, can be endowed with sensing properties wider than those of single constituents, enabling the recognition of a broad range of volatiles.