Citation:
Frank Davis and Seamus P. J. Higson, Polymers in biosensors. In: Biomedical Polymers, Woodhead Publishing (6 Aug 2007), By M. Jenkins (Author, Editor) ISBN 1845690702
Abstract:
This chapter will be devoted to the incorporation of polymers within biosensors,
beginning with a history and descriptions of basic sensor formats - while
concentrating on optical and electrochemical sensors. Initially the chapter will
discuss the incorporation of polymers as simple coatings for biosensors. These
coatings are typically used (i) to improve selectivity (by preventing
interferents from reaching the active parts of the sensors) and (ii) to improve
the biocompatibility of biosensors. Similar coatings which are used as anchors
for biomolecules in various techniques will also be discussed. Following this is
a section on polymers which have a more active role. Conducting polymers will be
discussed and their structures and use in biosensors will be described. A
section follows on redox active polymers and their use to 'wire' biological
moieties to electrodes. Finally we will discuss molecularly imprinted polymers
and their potential to replace biological molecules as active components within
biosensors.