SENSORS EMPLOYING COMBINATORIAL ARTIFICIAL RECEPTORS

The present invention relates to sensors including artificial receptors and methods of using them. In an embodiment, the present invention includes an artificial receptor as a component of a receptor system including a ligand permeable interface that isolates the artificial receptor from certain components of the surrounding environment. In an embodiment, the present invention includes an artificial receptor and a competitor against a ligand of interest. In an embodiment, the present invention includes a competitive artificial receptor as a component of a detector system including a semipermeable membrane that isolates the competitive artificial receptor from certain components of the surrounding environment. This embodiment also includes the competitor and a detector operatively coupled to the competitive artificial receptor. The detector produces a signal indicating binding of the competitor and/or the ligand of interest to the artificial receptor. The detector system is configured so that the competitor is retained in the environs of the artificial receptor at least in part by the ligand permeable interface.