Hydrogels for sensing applications

Abstract In recent years, a series of developments have taken place in the field of sensors. One of the most important one is represented by the hydrogel-based sensors, constituting a class of smart sensing devices of pivotal importance for different applications. Hydrogels are three-dimensional structure made up from crosslinked polymers showing a hydrophilic behavior, biocompatible and able to swell in the presence of a thermodynamic compatible solvent. Furthermore, hydrogels are able to respond to different external stimuli; this peculiarity has ensured them great recognition for sensing application and diagnostics. This chapter is focused on the advantages reached in the last years for hydrogel-based sensors, separating them in physicochemical sensors and biosensors.