Electrochemical arrays for bioassay applications

Abstract

This chapter presents a survey of developments and bioassay applications of individually addressable electrochemical arrays covering the past two decades and including over 90 references. Many different array designs have been fabricated, from macroscopic devices that have two to four sensing elements to ultramicroelectrode arrays containing as many as 12,000 individually addressable micrometer-sized working electrodes. Some inexpensively fabricated arrays are intended for single sample analysis and are disposable, while others are encapsulated for incorporation into reusable microfluidic systems. Devices and assays are grouped according to the types of modifications done to the sensing elements, and sections are included to consider unmodified elements as well as modifications with enzymes, antibodies or antigens, nucleic acids, in addition to viable cells and tissues. Some trends have been identified, and possible future directions are suggested.