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Differential sensing of proteins based on cross-reactive arrays and pattern recognition is a promising technique for the detection and identification of proteins. In this study, a rational biomimetic strategy has been used to prepare sensing materials capable of discriminating structurally similar proteins, such as deletion and point mutants of a cytokine, by mimicking the biological properties of heparan sulfate (HS). Using the self-assembly of two disaccharides, lactose and sulfated lactose at various ratios on the surface of a chip, an array of combinatorial cross-reactive receptors has been prepared. Coupling with surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi), the obtained cross-reactive array is very efficient for protein sensing. It is able to detect HS binding proteins (HSbps) such as IFNγ at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, such a system is capable of discriminating between IFNγ and its mutants with good selectivity., (© 2021. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Nowadays, there is a strong demand for the development of new analytical devices with novel performances to improve the quality of our daily lives. In this context, multisensor systems such as electronic tongues (eTs) have emerged as promising alternatives. Recently, we have developed a new versatile eT system by coupling surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) with cross-reactive sensor arrays. In order to largely simplify the preparation of sensing materials with a great diversity, an innovative combinatorial approach was proposed by combining and mixing a small number of easily accessible molecules displaying different physicochemical properties. The obtained eT was able to generate 2D continuous evolution profile (CEP) and 3D continuous evolution landscape (CEL), which is also called 3D image, with valuable kinetic information, for the discrimination and classification of samples. Here, diverse applications of such a versatile eT have been summarized. It is not only effective for pure protein analysis, capable of differentiating protein isoforms such as chemokines CXCL12α and CXCL12γ, but can also be generalized for the analysis of complex mixtures, such as milk samples, with promising potential for monitoring the deterioration of milk.