Biocompatible molecular sensors
Efficient biochemical sensors for blood components such as sodium have to be biocompatible and reliable. The development faces issues with power consumption and liquid handling over extended periods of time as the sensor micro-channels are prone to blockage. The aim of EU-funded 'Receptor-doped Ionogels: New materials for inherently biocompatible molecular sensors' (RECEPTOR-DOPED GELS) proposal was to develop an improved biocompatible molecular sensor. Furthermore, researchers aimed to develop sensors for incorporation into so-called ‘lab on a disc’ to improve healthcare test devices. An Ionogel (IL) is a new material where an ionic conducting liquid is immobilised inside a polymer matrix. Researchers synthesised hybrid materials consisting of monomeric components polymerised within biocompatible IL. This resulted in various platforms for modification. Doping of the IL hybrid material with a selective ionophore enables ion selectivity. Detection of lactate, for example, using specific sensor with IL solid- state electrolyte is feasible. The IL sensors were integrated into a ‘lab on a disc’ microfluidic technology that provided proof of principle for rapid and multiple analysis in-situ. A fully functional prototype of the analyser has been developed with a view to commercialisation. RECEPTOR-DOPED GELS addressed the problems in bio-compatible sensor design using the novel biocompatible material. Selectivity of IL sensors can be variedfor target ions in the body such as sodium, potassium and calcium. Sensors of this nature are important in monitoring patients with cancer, diabetes, and those recovering from heart surgery. The same simple and low cost technology could be applied for water contamination tests obtaining quick and easy in situ detection results.
Keywords
Biocompatible, biochemical sensor, molecular sensor, ionogel, ions, electrolyte
