ADVANCES IN CHEMICAL SENSOR TECHNOLOGY: FROM MOLECULAR DETECTION TO REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The field of chemical sensor technology has witnessed remarkable progress over recent decades, transitioning from basic molecular detection systems to sophisticated platforms integrated into diverse real-world applications. These advances are driven by innovations in nanomaterials, miniaturized electronics, and signal processing techniques, enabling enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response times. Modern chemical sensors are now pivotal in areas such as environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, industrial process control, and homeland security. The development of wearable and portable sensor systems, coupled with wireless communication and data analytics, has further expanded their utility in real-time, on-site analysis. This review explores the evolution of chemical sensor technologies, highlighting key breakthroughs, emerging trends, and the challenges that remain in translating laboratory innovations into scalable, robust, and cost-effective solutions for global needs.