Bihydrogel particles as free-standing mechanical pH microsensors

Abstract

We propose a bihydrogel mechanical microsensor made from two hydrogels with different sensitivity to the environment. The idea was used to create pH microsensors consisting of two parallel phases of crosslinked hydrogel in which only one phase is pH-sensitive. Working similarly to a bimetallic strip, the bihydrogel particle bends depending on the environmental pH. These freestanding bihydrogel particles are low-cost and easy to manufacture. They are particularly suitable for use in confined environment where most microsensors are unable to fit in. The same principle can also be used to create sensors for temperature, ionic strength, and other environmental parameters. ? 2013 American Institute of Physics.