Sustainable and Efficient: A Reusable DIY Three-Electrode Base Plate for Microfluidic Electroanalysis and Biosensing

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Microfluidics
• Biosensing

Background:

• Microfluidic electroanalysis offers miniaturized analytical capabilities.
• High costs and complex fabrication limit accessibility of current platforms.
• Need for sustainable, reusable, and affordable electrochemical sensing tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustainable, handmade, and reusable three-electrode platform for microfluidic electroanalysis.
• To demonstrate the platform's utility for both direct analyte detection and biosensing.
• To increase the accessibility of microfluidic electrochemical (bio)sensing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a three-electrode platform (Pt counter, Pt working, Ag/AgCl reference) integrated with microfluidic channels.
• Utilizing common tools for device construction and surface polishing for reusability.
• Performing redox voltammetry/amperometry with ferricyanide solutions and developing amperometric glucose biosensors.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-quality redox voltammetry and amperometry in static and flowing solutions.
• Demonstrated excellent performance of Pt working electrodes modified with glucose oxidase for blood glucose testing.
• Confirmed the platform's recyclability, compatibility with microchannels, and adaptability for various modifications.

Conclusions:

• The handmade, reusable platform provides a sustainable and affordable solution for microfluidic electroanalysis.
• The device facilitates direct electrochemical detection and bioreceptor-assisted biosensing.
• Reduced fabrication costs and complexity significantly enhance the accessibility of microfluidic electrochemical (bio)sensing.