Visual sensors of an inverse opal hydrogel for the colorimetric detection of glucose

In this study, a novel and facile glucose detection system based on inverse opal hydrogels (IOHGs) was developed. Based on the intuitive structural colour, the gel sensors could be used for the detection of carbohydrates containing 1,2-cis-diol groups and diagnosis of diabetes without the assistance of sophisticated analysis instruments. Compared to the case of traditional opal sensors, the stable network structure of the IOHG samples endowed them with reusability for multiple times, which could suffer 10 cyclic detections without any reduction in sensitivity; possessing the combined advantages of high sensitivity, a stable network, and easy processing, IOHGs might open up a new avenue and propose a promising prospect in the detection and identification of diverse organic compounds.