Yahui Zhang, Xinjia Zhao, and Guangyan Qing*

TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/XXX

https://doi.org/10.1016/XXX

    The "precision medicine" project put forward higher requirements for analytical chemistry, centering on new material development. Given the increasing diversity of complex samples and rising demands on analytical methods, breakthroughs in the creation of analytical materials that offer selectivity, sensitivity, speed, and specificity are required. As a star system in material science, smart polymers can respond to subtle changes in external stimuli, leading to significant conformational changes in their polymer chains, and further translating, transferring, and amplifying the stimulus signals into macroscopic properties of the material. Their excellent controllability and adjustability in both structures and functions inject fresh energy into the advancement of analytic methods. This review concisely presents the latest research regarding the advancements of smart polymers in analytical chemistry, and furthermore proposes the challenges and feasible solutions that smart polymers encounter during design and application. These materials will accelerate the arrival of a new era of precision medicine.