Chromatic properties of polydiacetylene films

Selective Chirality-Driven Photopolymerization of Diacetylene Crystals

Crystal engineering of two diacetylene monomers was achieved by branching two chiral groups [R = PhC*MeNH(CO2)CH2] exhibiting an enantiopure configuration of S,S-(DA2) and an achiral R,S-meso-isomer (DA4). The X-ray structures of DA2 and DA4 reveal the presence of supramolecular arrangements driven by intermolecular H-bonding. A significant intermolecular closer proximity in DA4 than that in DA2 is depicted, ultimately resulting in a slow thermal (days) and swift (min) photochemical polymerization of DA4 to form PDA5, whereas DA2 is unreactive. DFT computations indicate that in both cases the lowest energy-excited state is the charge-transfer state [CT; PhC*MeNH(CO2) → π*(-C≡C-C≡C-)]. Therefore, this outcome illustrates a drastic selectivity via a settle change in a carbon configuration. Analysis demonstrates that PDA5 is nonemissive and that its coloration arises from a π → π* excitation of the polymer backbone (DFT computations).

The crystal engineering of radiation-sensitive diacetylene cocrystals and salts

In this work we develop photoreactive cocrystals/salts of a commercially-important diacetylene, 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA, 1) and report the first X-ray crystal structures of PCDA based systems. The topochemical reactivity of the system is modified depending on the coformer used and correlates with the structural parameters. Crystallisation of 1 with 4,4'-azopyridine (2), 4,4'-bipyridyl (3), and trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (4) results in unreactive 2 : 1 cocrystals or a salt in the case of 4,4'-bipiperidine (5). However, salt formation with morpholine (6), diethylamine (7), and n-butylamine (8), results in highly photoreactive salts 12·7 and 1·8 whose reactivity can be explained using topochemical criteria. The salt 1·6 is also highly photoreactive and is compared to a model morpholinium butanoate salt. Resonance Raman spectroscopy reveals structural details of the photopolymer including its conformational disorder in comparison to less photoactive alkali metal salts and the extent of solid state conversion can be monitored by CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy. We also report an unusual catalysis in which amine evaporation from photopolymerised PCDA ammonium salts effectively acts as a catalyst for polymerisation of PCDA itself. The new photoreactive salts exhibit more reactivity but decreased conjugation compared to the commercial lithium salt and are of considerable practical potential in terms of tunable colours and greater range in UV, X-ray, and γ-ray dosimetry applications.

Nanofiber Formation and Polymerization of Bolalipids with Diacetylene-Modified Single Alkyl Chains

The nanofiber formation in aqueous suspension of two classes of symmetric single-chain bolaamphiphiles with different polar headgroups and a diacetylene-modified alkyl chain with a length of 32, 34, and 36 C atoms was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering. As observed before for other bolalipids with phosphocholine (PC) and dimethyl-phosphoethanolamine (Me₂PE) headgroups, the molecules form fibers when suspended in water at low temperatures but disassemble into micellar-like aggregates upon heating. The introduction of a diacetylene group in the middle of the long chain leads to a perturbation of chain packing so that this fiber-micelle transition occurs at lower temperature compared to the other bolalipids having unmodified alkyl chains. The aim of our project was the introduction of diacetylene groups into alkyl chains to be able to polymerize the fibers at low temperature. This should enhance the fiber stability and prevent the disassembly into micellar aggregates at higher temperature. Polymerization of aggregates containing diacetylene-modified bolaamphiphiles can be easily traced by UV/vis spectroscopy as colored products are formed. We found that polymerization of bolaamphiphiles with PC headgroups leads to a breakdown of most fibers into micellelike aggregates, and only some longer fibers segments are still detectable. In contrast, the use of Me₂PE headgroups improves polymerizability and length of the polymerized fibers. The compound with 36 C atoms in the chain could be polymerized at low temperatures, and the fibers remained stable at least up to a temperature of 60 °C. This shows that the perturbation of the chain packing due to the diacetylene groups in the chains can be overcome by elongation of the chains, so that thermostable fibers with a diameter of the length of the bolalipid molecule can be successfully formed.

Topochemical polymerization of hierarchically ordered diacetylene monomers within the block copolymer domains

Effect of annealing conditions on the hierarchical ordering of PCDA monomers within the block copolymer supramolecules and their subsequent topochemical polymerization.

Flexible electrochromic materials based on CNT/PDA hybrids

Materials that change color in response to external stimuli can cater to diverse applications from sensing to art. If made flexible, stretchable and weavable, they may even be directly integrated with advanced technologies such as smart textiles. A new class of engineered composite based on polydiacetylene (PDA) functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT) shows tremendous potential in this regard. While the inherent multi stimuli chromatic response of the polymer (blue to red) is retained, the underlying conducting CNTs invoke electrochromism in PDA. Further, the fiber form factor of dry-spun CNT yarns facilitate direct weaving of large scale electrochromic fabrics, where current flow and thus color change can be accurately controlled. This review summarizes the fundamental aspects of CNT yarns and PDAs, focusing especially on their interaction chemistry which results in the scientifically and commercially appealing electrochromic transition in these hybrids.

Reversible Chromatic Response of Polydiacetylene Derivative Vesicles in D2O Solvent

The thermal chromatic sensitivity of polydiacetylenes (PDAs) with 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) derivatives, which have a hydroxyl group (HEEPCDA) and an amine group (APPCDA), were investigated using D2O and H2O as solvents. The vesicle solution with polymerized HEEPCDA exhibited a reversible chromatic response during the heating and cooling cycle in D2O, but not in H2O. On the other hand, the vesicle solution with the polymerized APPCDA exhibited a reversible chromatic response in H2O during the heating and cooling cycle, but the color of the solution did not change much in D2O. The critical vesicle concentration of HEEPCDA was lower in D2O than in H2O, and the chromatic sensitivity of the polymerized vesicles to temperature was slower in D2O than in H2O. We think that it is due to D2O being a more highly structured solvent than H2O with the hydrogen bonding in D2O stronger than that in H2O.

Naked eye screening of 11 phenolic compounds and colorimetric determination using polydiacetylene vesicles with α-cyclodextrin

The colorimetric response (CR) of poly(10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid) vesicles (PPCDA) induced by α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) in an aqueous solution has been studied. Various parameters affecting the CR, such as response time and concentration were investigated. The blue color of 0.01 mM PPCDA solution became pinkish red with the addition of α-CD at the concentration higher than 3 mM. The inhibition of the color transition from blue to red was investigated using 11 phenolic compounds. The color transition could be inhibited and observed by naked eye in the presence of 4 phenolic compounds, i.e. 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and 4-bromophenol (4-BP) and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 3-nitrophenol (3-NP). A colorimetric method for the determination of these compounds was validated and applied for surface water analysis. The linear range from the plot of CR against phenolic compounds concentration was in the order of 0.5-2.0 mM with R(2) more than 0.99. The recoveries were 90-95% with good precision (1-4%RSD, n=10).

Investigating ligand-receptor interactions at bilayer surface using electronic absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer

We investigate interactions between receptors and ligands at bilayer surface of polydiacetylene (PDA) liposomal nanoparticles using changes in electronic absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). We study the effect of mode of linkage (covalent versus noncovalent) between the receptor and liposome bilayer. We also examine the effect of size-dependent interactions between liposome and analyte through electronic absorption and FRET responses. Glucose (receptor) molecules were either covalently or noncovalently attached at the bilayer of nanoparticles, and they provided selectivity for molecular interactions between glucose and glycoprotein ligands of E. coli. These interactions induced stress on conjugated PDA chain which resulted in changes (blue to red) in the absorption spectrum of PDA. The changes in electronic absorbance also led to changes in FRET efficiency between conjugated PDA chains (acceptor) and fluorophores (Sulphorhodamine-101) (donor) attached to the bilayer surface. Interestingly, we did not find significant differences in UV-vis and FRET responses for covalently and noncovalently bound glucose to liposomes following their interactions with E. coli. We attributed these results to close proximity of glucose receptor molecules to the liposome bilayer surface such that induced stress were similar in both the cases. We also found that PDA emission from direct excitation mechanism was ~2-10 times larger than that of the FRET-based response. These differences in emission signals were attributed to three major reasons: nonspecific interactions between E. coli and liposomes, size differences between analyte and liposomes, and a much higher PDA concentration with respect to sulforhodamine (SR-101). We have proposed a model to explain our experimental observations. Our fundamental studies reported here will help in enhancing our knowledge regarding interactions involved between soft particles at molecular levels.

Synthetic biomimetic membranes and their sensor applications

Synthetic biomimetic membranes provide biological environments to membrane proteins. By exploiting the central roles of biological membranes, it is possible to devise biosensors, drug delivery systems, and nanocontainers using a biomimetic membrane system integrated with functional proteins. Biomimetic membranes can be created with synthetic lipids or block copolymers. These amphiphilic lipids and polymers self-assemble in an aqueous solution either into planar membranes or into vesicles. Using various techniques developed to date, both planar membranes and vesicles can provide versatile and robust platforms for a number of applications. In particular, biomimetic membranes with modified lipids or functional proteins are promising platforms for biosensors. We review recent technologies used to create synthetic biomimetic membranes and their engineered sensors applications.

Colorimetric biosensing using smart materials

In recent years, colorimetric biosensing has attracted much attention because of its low cost, simplicity, and practicality. Since color changes can be read out by the naked eye, colorimetric biosensing does not require expensive or sophisticated instrumentation and may be applied to field analysis and point-of-care diagnosis. For transformation of the detection events into color changes, a number of smart materials have been developed, including gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and conjugated polymers. Here, we focus on recent developments in colorimetric biosensing using these smart materials. Along with introducing the mechanisms of color changes based on different smart materials, we concentrate on the design of biosensing assays and their potential applications in biomedical diagnosis and environmental monitoring.

Specific Interaction of Influenza Virus with Organized Assemblies of Polydiacetylenes

Supramolecular organizates of liposomes and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films are described which are capable of specifically binding to pathogens such as influenza virus. The specific interaction is between the hemagglutinin protein of the virus and an α-C-glycoside of sialic acid expressed on the surface of the liposome or LB film. Sialic acidcontaining liposomes were found to inhibit influenza virus infectivity in cell culture, and may provide a basis for new materials which act as therapeutic agents. Sialic acid-containing LB films also specifically bind to the influenza virus. In this case, the conjugated polymer backbone acts as a built-in reporter of the binding event, measurable by a chromatic change in the visible absorption spectrum. These films may provide a basis for new materials which act as direct detectors of binding

Biomimetic approaches for studying membrane processes

This short review focuses on recent innovative systems and experimental approaches designed to investigate membrane processes and biomolecular interactions associated with membranes. Our emphasis is on "biomimetics" which reflects the significance and contributions of the chemistry/biology interface in addressing complex biological questions. We have not limited this review to discussion of new "sensors" or "assays"per se, but rather we tried to review new concepts employed for analysis of membrane processes.

Structural transitions in polydiacetylene Langmuir films

Polydiacetylene (PDA) Langmuir films (LFs) were investigated directly at the air/water interface using in situ synchrotron grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, and ex situ transmissison electron microscopy and diffraction. The films were compressed and polymerized on pure water. A crystallographic model describes the structures and phase transitions of the unpolymerized (monomer) film, via the metastable (blue phase), to the fully stable PDA red phase as a function of irradiation dose. The monomer-to-blue-to-red chromatic phase transitions are accompanied by changes in the in-plane crystal structure and pendant chains packing arrangement from arced alkyl chains (in the monomer and blue phases) to near-vertical closely packed chains in the red phase. Notably, the characteristic linear strand morphology of PDA films can be explained as a direct result of the marked decrease in spacing between adjacent polymer chains upon transition from the blue to the red phase.

A polydiacetylene microchip based on a biotin-streptavidin interaction for the diagnosis of pathogen infections

A micropatterned polydiacetylene (PDA) chip, utilizing the unique fluorogenic property of PDA and a specific biotin-streptavidin (STA) interaction, is constructed to detect pathogen infections. To construct the PDA chip, biotin-modified diacetylene liposomes are immobilized on aldehyde glass and conjugated with STA, followed by UV irradiation to polymerize the STA-functionalized diacetylene liposomes. Genomic DNA of a model pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis, is isolated from human samples and biotin-labeled target DNA is obtained through PCR amplification using biotin-11-dUTP. Owing to the stimulus caused by the biotin-STA interaction, the biotinylated DNA induces an intense fluorescence signal on the immobilized PDA. By using this strategy, it is possible to diagnose Chlamydia infections by applying DNA samples from several nonhealthy humans to a single PDA chip. The results of this study serve as the basis for a new strategy for fluorogenic PDA microarray-based diagnosis of pathogen infections.

Layer-by-layer assembly of intact polydiacetylene vesicles with retained chromic properties

Photopolymerized vesicles of 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PPCDA) were successfully assembled into polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) thin films using either chitosan or poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) as a polycation. The PEM films assembled from chitosan or PEI polycation retained the blue color of PPCDA vesicles. For the blue films, an increase in absorbance at 635 nm as a function of the number of deposited layers of PPCDA vesicles was observed, confirming the uniform layer-by-layer deposition process. The spherical structures of PPCDA vesicles, as well as their important colorimetric responses to solvent (ethanol), pH, and temperature, are retained in the PEM film. Compared to the vesicles dispersed in water, the PEM films are much more stable to aging. Layer-by-layer assembly thus provides a convenient means to prepare colorimetric sensing devices, with extended shelf life, from polydiacetylene vesicles.

Color Fingerprinting of Proteins by Calixarenes Embedded in Lipid/Polydiacetylene Vesicles

"Naked eye" color detection of proteins was achieved by embedding calixarene receptors within vesicles comprising phospholipids and the chromatic polymer polydiacetylene. Dramatic visible absorbance changes were induced through electrostatic interactions between the protein surface and the vesicle-incorporated hosts. The colorimetric responses could be induced by micromolar protein concentrations, and furthermore, specific protein fingerprints could be obtained by incorporating different receptors within the vesicles. Fluorescence and circular dichroism experiments confirmed the relationship between the colorimetric phenomena and protein docking on the surface of the chromatic vesicles. The colorimetric assay constitutes a generic platform for high-sensitivity detection of soluble proteins and for evaluation of protein surface charge distribution.

Investigations of antimicrobial peptides in planar film systems

Planar systems--monolayers and films--constitute a useful platform for studying membrane-active peptides. Here, we summarize varied approaches for studying peptide organization and peptide-lipid interactions at the air/water interface, and focus on three representative antimicrobial membrane--associated peptides-alamethicin, gramicidin, and valinomycin. Experimental data, specifically surface pressure/area isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy images, provided information on peptide association and the effects of the lipid monolayers on peptide surface organization. In general, film analysis emphasized the effects of lipid layers in promoting peptide association and aggregation at the air/water interface. Importantly, the data demonstrated that in many cases peptide domains are phase-separated within the phospholipid monolayers, suggesting that this behavior contributes to the biological actions of membrane-active antimicrobial peptides.

Functionalized polydiacetylene-glycolipid vesicles interacted with Escherichia coli under the TiO2 colloid

The interaction of the conjugated system between functionalized polydiacetylene-glycolipid vesicles and Escherichia coli was investigated under the bactericidal effect of TiO(2) colloid. With various pre-incubation and irradiation time, controllable bacteria quantity in the presence of TiO(2) colloid was obtained in real time. UV-visible and Raman spectra were utilized to monitor and evaluate the structural transition of bacteria-polydiacetylene-glycolipid vesicles conjugated system under the different conditions, which supplied the detailed information of the transform of the polydiacetylene backbone in real time. Thus controllable conjugated bio-interaction between two bio-interfaces was obtained through the introduction of the third factor and monitored in real time. This would be great aid in fundamental understanding more complex interfaces in the biological environment and would be applicable to the biomedical and biophysical fields.

Microscopic visualization of alamethicin incorporation into model membrane monolayers

Lipid interactions and cooperative assembly properties are fundamental determinants for the action of antimicrobial membrane-active peptides. Here we analyze the interactions and aggregation properties of alamethicin, an antimicrobial pore-forming peptide, with films formed at the air/water interface. Surface-area/pressure isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy, and fluorescence-confocal microscopy provided detailed information on the morphologies and structural properties of the peptide and its effect on the film components. The pressure-area analysis and microscopy experiments facilitated unprecedented visualization of the structural consequences of alamethicin association at the air/water interface, with pure phospholipid films, and within mixed phospholipid/polydiacetylene (PDA) films. The analysis exposed the kinetic features and the interplay between the peptide aggregates and film constituents. In particular, the results demonstrate the use of phospholipid/PDA film assemblies for studying membrane-peptide association and interactions within two-dimensional films.

Functional Self-Assembling Bolaamphiphilic Polydiacetylenes as Colorimetric Sensor Scaffolds

Conjugated polymers capable of responding to external stimuli by changes in optical, electrical, or electrochemical properties can be used for the construction of direct sensing devices. Polydiacetylene-based systems are attractive for sensing applications due to their colorimetric response to changes in the local environment. Here we present the design, preparation, and characterization of self-assembling functional bolaamphiphilic polydiacetylenes (BPDAs) inspired by nature's strategy for membrane stabilization. We show that by placing polar headgroups on both ends of the diacetylene lipids in a transmembranic fashion and by altering the chemical nature of the polar surface residues, the conjugated polymers can be engineered to display a range of radiation-, thermal-, and pH-induced colorimetric responses. We observed dramatic nanoscopic morphological transformations accompanying charge-induced chromatic transitions, suggesting that both side-chain disordering and main-chain rearrangement play important roles in altering the effective conjugation lengths of the poly(ene-yne). These results establish the foundation for further development of BPDA-based colorimetric sensors.

Mannose–Escherichia coli interaction in the presence of metal cations studied in vitro by colorimetric polydiacetylene/glycolipid liposomes

Supramolecular assemblies of liposomes (vesicles) made of diacetylenic lipids and synthetic mannoside derivative glycolipid receptors were successfully used to mimic the molecular recognition occurring between mannose and Escherichia coli. This specific molecular recognition was translated into visible blue-to-red color transition (biochromism) of the polymerized liposomes, readily quantified by UV-visible spectroscopy. Some transition metal cations (Cd(2+), Ag(+), Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Zn(2+) and Ni(2+)) and alkali earth metal cations (Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and Ba(2+)) were introduced into the system to analyze their effects on specific biochromism. Results showed that the presence of Cd(2+), Ag(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and Ba(2+) enhanced biochromism. A possible enhancement mechanism was proposed in the process of bacterial adhesion to host cells. However, Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Zn(2+) and Ni(2+) exhibited inhibitory effects that cooperated with diacetylene lipid with a carboxylic group and increased the rigidity of the liposomal outer leaflet, blocking changes in the side chain conformation and electrical structure of polydiacetylene polymer during biochromism.

Enhanced affinochromism of polydiacetylene monolayer in response to bacteria by incorporating CdS nano-crystallites

By incorporating bio-specific receptors, such as p-10,12-pentacosadiyne-1-N-(3,6,9-trioxaundecylamide)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (MPDA), into 10,12-pentacosadiyonic acid (PDA) monolayer, the MPDA/PDA monolayer underwent affinochromatic transition in response to the bacteria binding to the receptor. Here, we described a new method to study the membrane/macromolececular interaction between Escherichia coli (E. coli) and mannose and its relative affinochromism by modifying MPDA/PDA with CdS nano-crystallites (MPDA/PDA-CdS). CdS not only triggered the strong tropism of the bacteria but also reduced the rigidity of the MPDA/PDA backbone, resulting in the enhanced affinochromism. This discovery might be of significance in basic biophysical studies of membrane/macromolececular and designing novel biosensor.

Modulating artificial membrane morphology: pH-induced chromatic transition and nanostructural transformation of a bolaamphiphilic conjugated polymer from blue helical ribbons to red nanofibers

Design and characterization of helical ribbon assemblies of a bolaamphiphilic conjugated polymer and their color-coded transformation into nanofibers are described. An L-glutamic acid modified bolaamphiphilic diacetylene lipid was synthesized and self-assembled into right-handed helical ribbons with micron scale length and nano scale thickness under mild conditions. The ribbon structures were further stabilized by polymerizing well-aligned diacetylene units to form bisfunctional polydiacetylenes (PDAs). Transitions from flat sheets to helical ribbons and tubes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The helical ribbons appear to originate from the rupture of flat sheets along domain edges and the peeling off between stacked lipid layers. These results point to the applicability of chiral packing theory in bolaamphiphilic supramolecular assemblies. Contact mode atomic force microscopy observations revealed that high order existed in the surface packing arrangement. Hexagonal and pseudorectangular packings were observed in flat and twisted regions of the ribbons, respectively, suggesting a correlation between microscopic morphologies and nanoscopic packing arrangements. The tricarboxylate functionalities of the bolaamphiphilic lipid provide a handle for the manipulation of the bisfunctional PDAs' morphology. Increasing solution pH caused the fraying of helical ribbons into nanofibers accompanied by a sharp blue-to-red chromatic transition. A dramatic change in circular dichroism spectra was observed during this process, suggesting the loss of chirality in packing. A model is proposed to account for the pH-induced morphological change and chromatic transition. The color-coded transition between two distinct microstructures would be useful in the design of sensors and other "smart" nanomaterials requiring defined molecular templates.

Polymerized lipid vesicles as colorimetric biosensors for biotechnological applications

Supramolecular chemical assemblies composed of polydiacetylene (PDA) exhibit rapid colorimetric transitions upon specific interactions with a variety of biological analytes in aqueous solutions. Among the analytes that give rise to the unique blue-red color changes are lipophilic enzymes, antibacterial peptides, ions, antibodies, and membrane penetration enhancers. The chemical assemblies include conjugated PDA, responsible for the chromatic transitions, and the molecular recognition elements, which are either chemically or physically associated with the PDA. Thus, by incorporation of specific recognition elements, the system can be designed in ways allowing for highly selective identification of analytes. In particular, receptors and epitopes can be incorporated within the sensor assembly, which then determine the specificity of the colorimetric transitions. The PDA-based molecular assemblies are robust and can be readily applied to diagnosis of physiological molecules and for rapid screening of chemical and biological libraries, for example, in 96 well-plate platforms.

Interfacial catalysis by phospholipases at conjugated lipid vesicles: colorimetric detection and NMR spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Self-assembled conjugated polymers are rapidly finding biological and biotechnological applications. This work describes a synthetic membrane system based on self-assembled polydiacetylenes, which are responsive to the enzymatic activity of phospholipases - a ubiquitous class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipid molecules embedded in cell membranes.

RESULTS

We show that phospholipases are active at bilayer vesicles composed of the natural enzyme substrate, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and a synthetic pi-conjugated polymerized lipid based on polydiacetylene (PDA). In addition, the enzymatic reaction induces an optical transition in the surrounding PDA matrix, visible to the naked eye. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirms the occurrence of enzymatic catalysis and reveals the fate of the cleavage products.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the structural and color changes of the PDA matrix are directly related to interfacial catalysis by phospholipase. This novel biocatalytic method of inducing optical transitions in conjugated polymers might lead to new approaches towards rapidly screening new enzyme inhibitor compounds.

Direct colorimetric detection of a receptor-ligand interaction by a polymerized bilayer assembly

Detection of receptor-ligand interactions is generally accomplished by indirect assays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A direct colorimetric detection method based on a polydiacetylene bilayer assembled on glass microscope slides has been developed. The bilayer is composed of a self-assembled monolayer of octadecylsilane and a Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer of polydiacetylene. The polydiacetylene layer is functionalized with an analog of sialic acid, the receptor-specific ligand for the influenza virus hemagglutinin. The sialic acid ligand serves as a molecular recognition element and the conjugated polymer backbone signals binding at the surface by a chromatic transition. The color transition is readily visible to the naked eye as a blue to red color change and can be quantified by visible absorption spectroscopy. Direct colorimetric detection by polydiacetylene films offers new possibilities for diagnostic applications and screening for new drug candidates or binding ligands.