Functional polythiophenes as optical chemo- and biosensors

Synthesis of fluorescent, chromic and postfunctionalizable poly[3-(N-succinimido(tetraethoxy)oxy)-4-methylthiophene] is described. This polymer bears succinimidyl carbamate side-chains which are able to react with amine groups, affording new smart polythiophene derivatives. Detection of different analytes (affinitychromism) was realized by UV–Visible and fluorescence means. In order to develop biosensors, water-soluble cationic thiophene-based homopolymers and random copolymers were also investigated.