Micro-chips and micro-fluidics
The miniaturization of the electrodes using techniques borrowed from the semiconductor industry and their integration in a continuous flow micro-cell opens wide and interesting perspectives for the development of biosensors, offering the possibility to increase both the speed and the sensitivity of detection. Such a micro-cell, that works in continuous flow, has been previously developed by the authors. Its functional tests have revealed some characteristics that should be improved: (a) sensitivity, (b) the reliability of both electric and fluidic connections. The causes of these drawbacks have been analyzed and new technical solutions have been adopted having as a result a new engineered device. The electrochemical biosensor micro-cell consists of a set of working electrodes (WE), a counter-electrode (CE), and a reference electrode (RE) placed inside a reservoir provided with inlet and outlet openings. Electric connections allow the incoming and outgoing electric signals to be transmitted between the micro-electrodes and the external control unit. Fluidic connections allow the analyte solution to flow through the reservoir placed on the suction side of an external peristaltic pump.
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