Recent advances in self-assemblies and sensing applications of colloidal photonic crystals.

Colloidal photonic crystals (PCs), consisting of highly ordered monodisperse nanoparticles, have been carried out a great deal of research in recent decades due to the attributes of readable signal, easy modification and low cost. With these unique features, colloidal PCs have also gradually become a focus of candidates applied in sensing fields. In this review, an overview of recent advances in colloidal PCs including self-assemblies and sensing applications is illustrated. With respect to the development in self-assemblies of colloidal PCs, the review concentrates on the summary of responsive mechanisms, detection methods, responsive materials, unit cells and fabrication methods. In terms of advances in sensing application of colloidal PCs, various types of sensors are summarized based on the kinds and applications of target analytes. Furthermore, the current limitations and potential future directions of colloidal PCs in self-assemblies and sensing areas are also discussed. Image 1 • Colloidal PCs have come to the fore due to the unique feature of structures. • Recent developments in self-assemblies of colloidal PCs are highlighted. • Recent advances in sensing applications of colloidal PCs are introduced. • The prospect and current limitation of colloidal PCs are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]