OLED-based sensor array for simultaneous monitoring of multiple analytes

A compact, photoluminescence (PL)-based sensor array, utilizing tris(quinolinolate) Al OLED pixels as the excitation sources, for sequential or simultaneous monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO), glucose, lactate, and alcohol, is described. The DO is monitored through its effect on the PL lifetime of the oxygen-sensitive dye Pt octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) embedded in a polystyrene film. The other analytes are monitored through their oxidation, catalyzed by an appropriate oxidase, which reduces the amount of DO in their vicinity. The OLED pixels are fabricated on a glass substrate; each pixel is typically 2x2 mm(2), with a 2 mm gap between the pixels. Two OLED pixels are associated with the detection of each of the analytes. The pixels are individually addressable, enabling consecutive detection of the different analytes within a few minutes utilizing a single photodetector (PD). Simultaneous detection is achieved by using an array of PDs. The OLED-based sensing array is compact and uniquely simple in its ease of fabrication and integration. Its performance attributes are comparable to those obtained for a single analyte using any excitation source. The potential of small-size, multi-color OLED pixel arrays for multianalyte detection is also discussed.