Functional characterization of a conducting polymer-based immunoassay system

Experiments have been performed to characterize the electrical properties and functionality of a poly(3-hexylthiophene)-coated platinum electrode developed as a sensor for immunoassay read-out. Admittance measurements were performed on the coated electrodes as a function of frequency. The admittance spectra obtained show that the sensor is capacitive in nature. A circuit model is presented for comparison to other conducting polymer systems. Dynamic sensor response is characterized by oxidizing the polymer via a hydrogen peroxide-iodide pathway. Hydrogen peroxide is introduced either by direct injection or through a glucose-glucose oxidase reaction to determine electrode functionality and sensitivity. Sensor response to chemical oxidation is measured as a function of frequency and applied signal amplitude. System response is linear in frequency from 1 Hz to 70 Hz and in excitation amplitude up to approximately 600 mV. System sensitivity is analyzed based on oxidant generation from the enzyme-initiated pathway, sensor baseline drift, and the noise band on the quiescent sensor current.