An Optimized Sensor Array Identifies All Natural Amino Acids

Wet-chemical discrimination of amino acids is still a challenge due to their structural similarity. Here, an optimized self-assembled eight-member sensor array is reported. The optimized sensor array stems from the combination of elements of different tongues, containing poly( para-phenyleneethynylene)s (PPE) and a supercharged green fluorescent protein (GFP) variant. The responsivity of the sensor dyes (PPEs and GFP) is enhanced in elements that contain adjuvants, such as metal salts but also cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and acridine orange; a suitable and robust eight element array discriminates all of the 20 natural amino acids in water at 25 mM concentration with 100% accuracy. The results group well to the amino acid type, i.e., hydrophobic, polar, and aromatic ones.