Multifaceted applications of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and their composites

In the recent nano-era, incredible advancement in tailoring a variety of nanomaterials for various applications has gained huge interest. In this track of advancement, the hybrid material made from organic and inorganic material has received enormous impact, owing to their unique complementary nature which, offers a significant synergistic effect, unlike individual class material. Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS), is one among the hybrid class of materials that, fascinated the researchers due to their notable properties viz., nanoscale-architecture, multi-functionality, and tailorable physiochemical properties which can be fine-tuned in accord to the applications. Based on their remarkable features, many researchers including our group explored this promising material in various fields including sensing applications. This review gives an in-depth focus on the overview of silica-based hybrid material emergence from the beginning to till date. A crystal-clear description starting, with the silsesquioxane classification and its existing numerous applications including biomedical, energy, engineering, catalysis, and emerging practice in the electrochemical sensing field have been discussed. To conclude, future scope regarding the exploration of different functionalized POSS materials as nano-interface for electrochemical, in-vivo, and bio-sensor applications have been discussed to accomplish instant, sensitive and selective responses. A brief discussion on point-of-care device development has also been incorporated.