Polymer coated Potentiometric Biosensors

Sensortec biosensors can be used for both research and routine analysis. The Sensortec multi-sensor approach to assay development and transfer has many areas of operation; food, beverages, agriculture, the environment, pharmaceuticals, biological samples, etc. The biosensors can be used in any number of assay formats – immunoassays, nucleic acid assays, enzymatic assays, redox assays, cell based assays. There are even opportunities for ion selective electrode development, using specific membrane coatings on the sensors. The biosensor is extremely sensitive to small changes in pH, ionic strength and redox potentials close to the transducer surface.

The biosensor assay is not affected by color, turbidity or particulates and the sample requires little or no preparation if the analyte is soluble in aqueous phase.

The biosensor system has fast measurement responses after suitable incubation periods for the different assay systems; typically 5-10 minutes incubation detection limits in the ppt or fM range for many small analytes (<500 daltons) and larger proteins has already been achieved.

Potentiometric Biosensor Reader

12 channel simultaneous measurement Microsoft compatible software USB connectivity Real time data visualisation Direct readout of sample concentration Variable applied potential and timings.

The Sensortec Potentiometric Reader (fig 1) has been designed to control, condition and measure up to twelve Sensortec potentiometric biosensors. The reader is connected to a PC using a USB port and is controlled by the PC using the supplied software. Data acquisition is automatic and data from all twelve channels are displayed in real-time on the computer screen (fig 2). Recorded data is saved as a comma separated (csv) file and can be imported in to many database and spreadsheet programs for further analysis.

Figure 1; Multi-Sensor Potentoiostatic Reader with support and holder for 96 well plate or troughs and USB connection.

Figure 2. Screen shot of real-time data acquisition and display. Graphical and numerical formats are shown. The end point can be compared to a calibration table and a concentration or comment is displayed.

Basic Screen Printed Sensors

Gold or Carbon electrodes are available with or without integrated reference electrode. 1, 2, 3 or 4 electrode formats.
- suitable for a variety of electrochemical research experiments and protocols
- robust plastic (PET) substrate
- various electrode designs and sizes

Currently produced in house are two types of sensors on plastic substrates (see above).

These can be purchased as printed or treated with our proprietary polypyrrole coating for enhanced sensitivity in potentiometric measurements.

A Two electrode format: Single carbon working electrode plus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. (30mm x 4mm).

and

A Four electrode format: Three carbon working electrodes plus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. (70mm x 10mm).