Patent ID: 8048680

Claim:
A method for the detection of an analyte comprising a cis-diol moiety in a fluid, which comprises contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of contraction of the medium due to binding of the cis-diol moiety, and wherein the medium comprises a polymer comprising a group of formula (i) wherein n is 1, 2, 3 or 4; each X is independently an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and Y is a spacer which, is o- relative to —B(OH) 2 and is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and detecting the change of the optical characteristic of the element.