Ammonia gas sensor based on electrosynthesized polypyrrole films

In this work, design and fabrication of micro-gas-sensors, polymerization and deposition of poly(pyrrole) thin films as sensitive layer for the micro-gas-sensors by electrochemical processing, and characterization of the polymer films by FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are reported. The change in conductance of thin polymer layers is used as a sensor signal. The behaviours, including sensitivity, reproducibility and reversibility, to various ammonia gas concentrations ranging from 8 ppm to 1000 ppm are investigated. The influence of the temperature on the electrical response of the sensors is also studied. The experimental results show that these ammonia gas sensors are efficient since they are sensitive to ammonia, reversible and reproducible at room temperature.     

Comparison of biosensors based on entrapment of cholesterol oxidase and cholesterol esterase in electropolymerized films of polypyrrole and diaminonaphthalene derivatives for amperometric determination of cholesterol

Cholesterol amperometric biosensors constructed with enzymes entrapped in electropolymerized layers of polypyrrole and poly-naphthalene derivative polymers are compared. The biosensors are based on entrapment of cholesterol oxidase and/or cholesterol esterase in monolayer or multilayer films electrochemically synthesised from pyrrole, 1,8-diaminonaphthalene (1,8-DAN), and 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (1,5-DAN) monomers. Seven configurations were assayed and compared, and different analytical properties were obtained depending on the kind of polymer and the arrangement of the layers. The selectivity properties were evaluated for the different monolayer and bilayer configurations proposed as a function of the film permeation factor. All the steps involved in the preparation of the biosensors and determination of cholesterol were carried out in a flow system. Sensitivity and selectivity depend greatly on hydrophobicity, permeability, compactness, thickness, and the kind of the polymer used. In some cases a protective outer layer of non-conducting poly(o-phenylenediamine) polymer improves the analytical characteristics of the biosensor. A comparative study was made of the analytical performance of each of the configurations developed. The biosensors were also applied to the flow-injection determination of cholesterol in a synthetic serum.     

Amperometric cholesterol biosensors based on the electropolymerization of pyrrole and the electrocatalytic effect of Prussian-Blue layers helped with self-assembled monolayers

Three cholesterol biosensor configurations based on the formation of a layer of Prussian-Blue (PB) on a Pt electrode for the electrocatalytic detection of the H₂O₂ generated during the enzymatic reaction of cholesterol with cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) were constructed. The enzyme was entrapped within a polypyrrole (PPy) layer electropolymerized onto the PB film. The influence of the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on the Pt surface on the adherence and stability of the PB layer and the formation of an outer layer of nafion (Nf) as a means of improving selectivity were both studied. A comparative study was made of the analytical properties of the biosensors corresponding to the three configurations named: Pt/PB/PPy-ChOx, Pt/SAM/PB/PPy-ChOx and Pt/SAM/PB/PPy-ChOx/Nf. The sensitivity (from 600 to 8500 nA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²) and selectivity of the developed biosensors permitted the determination of the cholesterol content in reference and synthetic serum samples. The detection limit for the Pt/SAM/PB/PPy-ChOx/Nf biosensor was 8 μM. Formation of the SAM on the electrode surface and covering with a Nf film considerably improved the stability and lifetime of the biosensor based on the catalytic effect of the PB layer (as the PB layer was retained longer on the electrode), and the Nf layer protects the enzyme from the external flowing solutions. Lifetime is up to 25 days of use. The formation of the SAM also has an effect on the charge transfer and the formation of the PB layer.     

Optical biosensors based on integrated polymer light source and polymer photodiode

Evanescent coupling is used to couple light from an organic Lambertian emitter into a single‐mode planar waveguide. A polymer light emitting diode pumps a photoluminescent layer located directly on top of the waveguide. At the out‐coupling grating stage, a fully organic mini‐spectrometer compatible with monolithical integration on optical bio chips has been developed. It consists of a single‐mode waveguide with integrated diffraction grating and a dense array of polymer photodiodes as sensing element. An overall spectral resolution of down to 5 nm has been achieved with the integrated optoelectronic system. As a proof of principle the fully organic optical device has been used in combination with a fluidic system to demonstrate an absorption‐based bio‐test with mouse immunoglobulin G. In a further step towards low‐cost and disposable lab‐on‐chip biosensors, the mentioned organic building blocks have been combined with a surface plasmon stack integrated directly onto the single mode waveguide. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010     

Optical sensors and biosensors based on sol-gel films

The sol-gel technology is being increasingly used for the development of optical sensors and biosensors, due to its simplicity and versatility. By this process, porous thin films incorporating different chemical and biochemical sensing agents are easily obtained at room temperature, allowing final structures with mechanical and thermal stability as well as good optical characteristics. In this article, an overview of the state-of-the-art of sol-gel thin films-based optical sensors is presented. Applications reviewed include sensors for determination of pH, gases, ionic species and solvents, as well as biosensors.     

Counter-Ion Influence on Polypyrrole Potentiometric pH Sensitivity

The pH sensitivity of conducting polymer films is an important issue from the sensor design point of view. The doping and supporting electrolyte anions effect on the potentiometric sensitivity and response time of polypyrrole (PPy) electrodes towards changes of solution pH were studied. It was found that (i) the response of PPy doped by easily exchangeable common anions (Cl^–, NO₃ ^–, ClO₄ ^–) in their solutions (KCl, KNO₃, NaClO₄) is slow. In contrast, (ii) polypyrrole films deposited in the presence of weak acid anions (phthalates, oxalates, salicylates) were characterised by instantaneous responses in the above mentioned solutions. On the basis of electrochemical experiments (open circuit potential vs. time dependencies, cyclic voltammetry, EQCM), the observed differences were attributed to different mechanisms of pH sensitivity of tested films. The long response times are related to the incorporation of the solution ions into the film in order to compensate charges created due to protonation. On the other hand, if the ion-exchange is hindered as in the case of (ii), instantaneous open circuit responses are observed due to polarisation of the oxidised polymer layer, analogously to the metal electrode. Moreover, for these films the internal pH buffering within the polymer membrane will weaken the pH change effect.The mechanisms were confirmed in the course of studying the pH effect in solutions containing anions easily (KCl, NaClO₄, KNO₃) or hardly exchangeable with polypyrrole (K₂SO₄, sodium poly(4-styrenesulphonate) solutions) acidified with H₂SO₄.     

Biosensors based on immobilization of biomolecules by electrogenerated polymer films

The concept and potentialities of electrochemical procedures of biomolecule immobilization are described. The entrapment of biomolecules within electropolymerized films consists of the application of an appropriate potential to an electrode soaked in an aqueous solution containing monomer and biomolecules. This method of biosensor construction is compared with a two-step procedure based on the adsorption of an aqueous amphiphilic pyrrole monomer-biomolecule mixture on an electrode followed by the electropolymerization of the adsorbed monomers. Another approach is based on the electrogeneration of polymer films functionalized by specific groups allowing subsequently the attachment of biomolecules. The immobilization of biomolecules on these films by covalent binding or noncovalent interactions is described.     

Development and evaluation of electrochemical glucose enzyme biosensors based on carbon film electrodes

Electrochemical glucose enzyme biosensors have been prepared on carbon film electrodes made from carbon film electrical resistors. Evaluation and characterisation of these electrodes in phosphate buffer saline solution has been carried out with and without pretreatment by cycling in perchloric acid or at fixed applied potential. Both pretreatments led to a reduction in the carbon surface oxidation peak and enabled better detection of hydrogen peroxide in the pH range of 5-7. Glucose oxidase enzyme was immobilised on the carbon surface by mixing with glutaraldehyde, bovine serum albumin and with and without Nafion. The performance of these two types of electrode was similar, that containing Nafion being more physically robust. Linear ranges were up to around 1.5 mM, with detection limits 60 μM, and pretreatment of the carbon film electrode at a fixed potential of +0.9 V versus SCE for 5 min was found to be the most beneficial. Michaelis-Menten constants between 5 mM and 10 mM were found under the different experimental conditions. Coating the immobilised enzyme layer with a thin layer of Nafion was found to give similar results in the determination of glucose to mixing it but with benefits against interferences for the analysis of complex matrices, such as wine. Potentialities, for a short-term-use or disposable sensors, are indicated.     

Polypyrrole films electrosynthesized on stainless steel grid from saccharinate aqueous solution and its behaviour toward acetone vapor

The electrochemical behaviour of stainless steel electrode in 0.1 M sodium saccharinate solution in the absence and the presence of the monomer were investigated using several electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic and potentiostatic. The XPS analysis was used to study the elementary composition of the obtained polymer and to estimate the doping level of the PPy obtained under this electrolytic conditions. Moreover, the characterization of the coating was achieved by SEM, IR and Raman. In this context, samples of PPy in oxidized and reduced state synthesized galvanostatically on stainless steel grid were used to investigate the behaviour of the polymer toward acetone vapor.     

pH electrodes based on iridium oxide films for marine monitoring

The pH is an important parameter that affects the growth and development of marine organisms, environmental changes, and industrial and agricultural production processes. Nowadays, important trends in pH detection and analysis are higher stability, adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, miniaturization, portability, and digital intelligence. Several studies have focused on the application of the iridium oxide film (IROF) pH electrodes in water quality monitoring and physiological analysis. The central aim of this work was to review the preparation techniques of the IROF pH electrodes and to expand their application in the field of marine monitoring. The studied methods include electrochemical deposition, electrochemical growth, sputtering deposition, heat treatment, and novel preparation methods. The IROF pH electrodes prepared via these methods are more sensitive, have a wider pH measurement ranges, and can be miniaturized further than traditional glass and pH photometer. Hence, in environmental analysis, combining IROF pH electrodes with wireless technology for the physiological and biochemical analysis of marine organisms, seawater, and sediment pore water is an important development tendency.     

Amperometric biosensors based on microflow injection system

Novel electrochemical cells based on a microflow system combined with amperometric enzyme electrodes were developed and served for quantitative determination of various compounds, such as organophosphates and lactose. The resulting biosensors are selective and efficient owing to immobilization of the sensing elements on the electrodes. The sensors are easy to operate, and the procedures are rapid, accurate, reproducible, and inexpensive, requiring neither special skills and training nor complicated instrumentation. The use of a microflow cell ensures the continuous flux of a new substrate, thus preventing the accumulation or adsorption of products to the electrode. Miniaturization of the sensor has two main advantages: (1) it is easy to carry and therefore can be used outdoors as well, and (2) it allows working with low volumes of compounds and reagents, which is highly important when dealing with hazardous compounds.     

Development of pH sensor based on aromatic polyurethane matrix

The synthesized aromatic polyurethane (APU)-based all-solid-state (ASS) pH sensor was developed with the same APU-based reference site in an ASS multi sensing electrode. The best analytical performance (the linear range of pH 3.0–11.5, slopes of 57 mV pH⁻¹) was obtained with the membrane composition of 33:66:1 (wt.%) of APU/plasticizer (NPOE)/ionophore (N,N-dioctadecylmethylamine) with the addition of lipophilic additive (KTpClPB, 5 mol.%). This ASSE exhibits more advantages of increasing stability, reducing membrane resistance and reducing anion interference.     

Towards biosensors based on conducting polymer nanowires

We report the electrochemical deposition of poly(pyrrolepropylic acid) nanowires, their covalent modification with antibodies and their conversion into potential functional sensor devices. The nanowires and the devices were characterised by optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy and electrical measurements. Fluorescence images, current–voltage (I–V) profiles and real-time sensing measurements demonstrated a rapid and highly sensitive and selective detection of human serum albumin (HSA), a substance that has been used to diagnose incipient renal disease. The detection is based on the selective binding of HSA onto anti-HSA that is covalently attached to the nanowires. The binding changes the electrical properties of the nanowires thus enabling the real-time detection. Whilst the utility of the research was demonstrated for protein binding/detection, the technology could easily be designed for the detection of other analytes by the modification of polymer nanowires with other analyte-specific molecules/biomolecules. Therefore, the technology has the potential to positively impact broad analytical applications in the biomedical, environmental and other sectors. Figure Real-time dynamic current response on sequential exposure of buffer, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) onto anti-HSA modified poly (pyrrolepropylic acid) nanowires. Fluorescence images of poly(pyrrolepropylic acid) nanowire (top right) and polypyrrole nanowire control (bottom right) after sequential treatment with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), anti HSA and fluorophore-labeled HSA.     

Electrochemical DNA biosensors based on platinum nanoparticles combined carbon nanotubes

Platinum nanoparticles were used in combination with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for fabricating sensitivity-enhanced electrochemical DNA biosensor. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes and platinum nanoparticles were dispersed in Nafion, which were used to fabricate the modification of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Oligonucleotides with amino groups at the 5′ end were covalently linked onto carboxylic groups of MWCNTs on the electrode. The hybridization events were monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement of the intercalated daunomycin. Due to the ability of carbon nanotubes to promote electron-transfer reactions, the high catalytic activities of platinum nanoparticles for chemical reactions, the sensitivity of presented electrochemical DNA biosensors was remarkably improved. The detection limit of the method for target DNA was 1.0 × 10⁻¹¹ mol l⁻¹.     

Development of electrochemical biosensors based on sol-gel enzyme encapsulation and protective polymer membranes

Protective polymer coatings have been used to enhance the retention of enzymes in sol-gel films as immobilisation phases in electrochemical biosensors. Carbon film electrodes were electrochemically modified with poly(neutral red) (PNR). These electrodes were coated with oxysilane sol-gels incorporating glucose oxidase and an outer coating of carboxylated PVC (CPVC) or polyurethane (PU), with and without Aliquat-336 or isopropyl myristate (IPM) plasticizer, was applied. The biosensors were characterised electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Impedance spectra showed that the electrode surface is most active when the sol-gel–GOx layer is not covered with a membrane. However, membranes without plasticizer extend the lifetime of the biosensor to more than 2 months when PU is used as an outer membrane. The linear range of the biosensors was found to be 0.05–0.50 mM of glucose and the biosensor with PU outer membrane exhibited higher sensitivity (ca.117 nA mM⁻¹) in the region of linear response than that with CPVC. The biosensors were applied to glucose measurement in natural samples of commercial orange juice.     

Immobilization of uricase in layer-by-layer films used in amperometric biosensors for uric acid

The layer-by-layer technique was exploited to immobilize the enzyme uricase onto indium tin oxide substrates coated with a layer of Prussian Blue. Uricase layers were alternated with either poly(ethylene imine) or poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride), and the resulting films were used as amperometric biosensors for uric acid. Biosensors with optimum performance had a limit of detection of 0.15 μA μmol l⁻¹ cm⁻² with a linear response between 0.1 and 0.6 μM of uric acid, which is sufficient for use in clinical tests. Bioactivity was preserved for weeks, and there was negligible influence from interferents, as detection was carried out at 0.0 V vs saturated calomel electrode. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Francisco C. Nart.     

Affinity biosensors based on disposable screen-printed electrodes modified with DNA

Simple and sensitive DNA sensors have been developed on a base on graphite screen-printed electrodes modified with DNA and enzymes. Cholinesterase and peroxidase immobilized by treatment with glutaraldehyde were used for the detection of human DNA antibodies of systemic lupus erythematosus and bronchial asthma patients. The amperometric signal was measured at +680 mV versus Ag/AgCl for DNA-cholinesterase sensor and −150 mV for DNA-peroxidase sensor 5 min after the injection of acethylthiocholine and hydroquinone, respectively. The addition of serum samples results in the sharp decrease of the signal due to the formation of DNA-antibody adducts followed by the suppression of the access of substrate to the enzyme active site. Sulfonamide medicines suppress the DNA-antibody interaction due to the competitive binding along DNA minor grooves. DNA sensor labeled with peroxidase showed the linear calibration range of 5×10⁻⁹ to 7×10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ of sulfamethoxazole and of 5×10⁻⁸ to 1×10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹ of sulfathiazole.     

Development of biosensors based on hexacyanoferrates

Ferric and copper hexacyanoferrates (PB and CuHCF, respectively) were electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrodes providing a suitable catalytic surface for the amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. Additionally glucose oxidase was immobilized on top of these electrodes to form glucose biosensors. The biosensors were made by casting glucose oxidase-Nafion layers onto the surface of the modified electrodes. The operational stability of the films and the biosensors were evaluated by injecting a standard solution (5 muM H(2)O(2) for PB, 5 mM H(2)O(2) for CuHCF and 2.5 mM glucose for both) over 5-10 h in a flow-injection system with the electrodes polarized at -50 (PB) and -200 mV (CuHCF) versus Ag/AgCl, respectively. The glucose biosensors demonstrated suitability for glucose determination: 0.0-2.5 mM (R(2)=0.9977) for PB and 0.0-10 mM (R(2)=0.9927) for CuHCF, respectively. The visualization of the redox catalyst modifiers (PB and CuHCF films) was presented by scanning electron micrographs.     

CYP450 biosensors based on screen-printed carbon electrodes for the determination of cocaine

A new electrochemical method has been described and characterized for the determination of cocaine using screen-printed biosensors. The enzyme cytochrome P450 was covalently attached to screen-printed carbon electrodes. Experimental design methodology has been performed to optimize the pH and the applied potential, both variables that have an influence on the chronoamperometric determination of the drug. This method showed a reproducibility of 3.56% (n = 4) related to the slopes of the calibration curves performed in the range from 19 up to 166 nM. It has been probed the used of this kind of biosensors in the determination of cocaine in street samples, with an average capability of detection of 23.05 ± 3.53 nM (n = 3, α = β = 0.05).     

Tuning the wetting angle of fluorinated polymer with modified nanodiamonds: towards new type of biosensors

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