Application of PAMAM dendrimers in optical sensing.

The need for an improved sensor performance is always encouraging us towards exploring new materials. Following the invention of dendrimers, the possibility was recognised of using them for improving optical sensor performance. Their more important aspects are their two main structural properties: three-dimensional structure and multiple terminal functional groups. In this review, firstly a brief introduction to dendrimers is provided with the focus on PAMAM dendrimers and optical sensors. Recent advances have been reported in those PAMAM dendrimer-based optical sensors, which are used for the detection of pH, cations, and other analyte.