An equivalent circuit model of ion-selective membrane|insulator|semiconductor interfaces used for chemical sensors

Field-effect sensors with charged macromolecules: Characterisation by capacitance–voltage, constant-capacitance, impedance spectroscopy and atomic-force microscopy methods

Field-effect-based capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) sensors have been utilised for the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) immobilisation and hybridisation detection as well as for monitoring the layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes (anionic poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)). The EIS sensors with charged macromolecules have been systematically characterised by capacitance-voltage, constant-capacitance, impedance spectroscopy and atomic-force microscopy methods. The effect of the number and polarity of the polyelectrolyte layers on the shift of the capacitance-voltage curves has been investigated. Alternating potential shifts of about 30-90 mV have been observed after the adsorption of each polyanion and polycation layer, respectively. The DNA immobilisation and hybridisation signals were 35-55 and 24-33 mV, respectively. The possible mechanisms for the sensor responses are discussed.

Imprinting of chiral molecular recognition sites in thin TiO2 films associated with field-effect transistors: novel functionalized devices for chiroselective and chirospecific analyses

(R)- or (S)-2-Methylferrocene carboxylic acids, (R)-1 or (S)-1, (R)- or (S)-2-phenylbutanoic acid, (R)-2 or (S)-2, and (R)- or (S)-2-propanoic acid, (R)-3 or (S)-3, can be imprinted in thin TiO2 films on the gate surface of ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) devices. The imprinting is performed by hydrolyzing the respective carboxylate TiIV butoxide complex on the gate surface, followed by washing off the acid from the resulting TiO2 film. The imprinted sites reveal chiroselectivity only towards the sensing of the imprinted enantiomer. The chiral recognition sites reveal not only chiroselectivity but also chirospecificity and, for example, the (R)-2-imprinted film is active in the sensing of (R)-2, but insensitive towards the sensing of (R)2-phenylpropanoic acid, (R)-3, which exhibits a similar chirality. Similarly, the (R)-3-imprinted film is inactive in the analysis of (R)-2. The chiroselectivity and chirospecificity of the resulting imprinted films are attributed to the need to align and fit the respective substrates in precise molecular contours generated in the cross-linked TiO2 films upon the imprinting process.

Membrane characterization of anion-selective CHEMFETs by impedance spectroscopy

Impedance spectroscopy can be used to determine the influence of several membrane parameters on the membrane resistance of anion selective CHEMFETs. The concentration of the ammonium sites in the membrane, the anion-receptor complex stoichiometry, and the polarity of the membrane matrix are of particular importance. In general the resistance of polysiloxane membranes is higher than that of PVC membranes. However, in polysiloxane membranes the membrane polarity can be influenced by the type or concentration of polar substituents on the polysiloxane chain. Polysiloxane ion-exchange membranes with 25 mol% of polar sulfone substituents exhibit the same conductance as NPOE plasticized PVC membranes. Remarkably, the membrane resistance of cation-selective polysiloxane membranes is much lower and is much less dependent on the substituents.