Recent Advances of Optical Sensing Arrays (2019–2025): From Design of Optical Elements to Multidimensional Analysis for Applications

Optical sensor arrays have emerged as a powerful paradigm for high-throughput, multiplexed analysis, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-analyte sensing by leveraging cross-reactive elements to generate distinct multidimensional response patterns. This comprehensive review systematically outlines recent advancements in the design, material integration, and application of optical sensing arrays. It begins by introducing the fundamental principles and design strategies of sensor arrays, followed by an in-depth discussion of a broad spectrum of optical sensing elements─including organic dyes, quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, lanthanide-based materials, and nanozymes, et al. The review further elaborates on innovative strategies for constructing sensing platforms, such as ligand functionalization, multi-channel integration, modulation of environmental factors, and single-element systems with multidimensional outputs. Key optical response mechanisms, including direct binding, competitive binding, aggregation-induced emission, and dual-band ratiometric sensing, are critically examined for their roles in enhancing sensitivity, specificity, and self-calibration capabilities. The application scope of these arrays is extensively covered, spanning natural product analysis, food and environmental safety monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and chiral discrimination. Emphasis is also placed on emerging portable platforms for on-site detection. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence, novel nanomaterial designs, and field-deployable systems.