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Beyond Simple Cartoons: Challenges in Characterizing Electrochemical Biosensor Interfaces

par Bizzotto, Dan;Burgess, Ian J;Doneux, Thomas ;Sagara, Takamasa;Yu, Hua-Zhong
Référence ACS sensors, 3, page (5-12)
Publication Publié, 2018

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Design and development of surface-based biosensors is challenging given the multidiscipline nature of this enterprise,which is certainly the case for electrochemical biosensors. Self-assembly approaches are used to modify the surface with captureprobes along with electrochemical methods for detection. Complex surface structures are created to improve the probe-targetinteraction. These multi-component surface structures are usually idealized in schematic representations. Many rely on the analyticalperformance of the sensor surface as an indication of the quality of the surface modification strategy. While directly linked tothe eventual device, arguments for pursuing a more extensive characterization of the molecular environments at the surface are presentedas a path to understanding how to make electrochemical sensors that are more robust, reliable with improved sensitivity.This is a complex task that is most often accomplished using methods that only report the average characteristics of the surface.Less often applied are methods that are sensitive to the probe (or adsorbate) present in non-ideal configurations (e.g., aggregates,clusters, non-specifically adsorbed). Though these structures may compose a small fraction of the overall modified surface, theyhave an uncertain impact on sensor performance and reliability. Addressing this issue requires application of imaging methods overa variety of length scales (e.g., optical microscopy and/or scanning probe microscopy) that provide valuable insight into the diversityof surface structures and molecular environments present at the sensing interface. Furthermore, using in-situ analytical methods,while complex, can be more relevant to the sensing environment. Reliable measurements of the nature and extent of these featuresare required to assess the impact of these non-ideal configurations on the sensing process. The development and use of methods thatcan characterize complex surface based biosensors is arguably required, highlighting the need for a multi-disciplinary approachtowards the preparation and analysis of the biosensor surface. In many ways, representing the surface without reliance on overlysimplified cartoons will highlight these important considerations for improving sensor characteristics.