This research discusses the development of biosensors with vertically aligned nanowires,
and the evaluation of their physical properties, electrochemical performance and biocompatibility.
The developments include neurotransmitter (dopamine) sensors, glucose sensors for continuous
monitoring, potassium ion sensors and integration of those sensors. A hemi-cylindrical nanocavity
structure has been developed for dopamine sensing using redox cycling with radial diffusion
within the cavities. By immobilization of enzymes in a conducting polymer matrix on vertically
aligned nanowires, glucose sensing electrodes have been obtained with high sensitivity and
selectivity. In addition, potassium sensing, potentially useful for monitoring changes of
extracellular potassium concentration during myocardial ischemia, has been demonstrated using
ion selective membranes (ISM) on nanowires. Sensor developments and measurement results are
included in the presentation along with descriptions of top-down and bottom-up
nano-/micro-fabrication technologies such as lithography and thin film deposition.
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