E.J.R. Sudhölter

Modification of ISFESTs by covalent anchoring of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel. Introduction of a thermodynamically defined semiconductor-sensing membrane interface

Silicon dioxide ion-sensitive field effect transistors were modified by silylation with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) and with in situ photopolymerized poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Subsequently, the covalently linked methacrylate was swollen with a buffered potassium chloride solution, prior to the introduction of a hydrophobic sensing membrane. The introduced hydrogel layer effects a significant reduction in the peak-to-peak noise levels and eliminates completely interference from carbon dioxide. The method is compatible with integrated circuit photolithographic techniques and improves the development of potentiometric biosensors and chemical sensors.

Sensitivity control of ISFETs by chemical surface modification

The response of ISFETs (ion-sensitive field-effect transistors) to concentrations of ions, especially H+ ions, is determined by the type of gate surface. Both the number of active surface sites and (proton) association and dissociation constants influence the sensitivity. In the case of a chemically-modified gate surface, a new surface is formed, which generally has a different sensitivity. It is shown that the original pH response of the gate oxide can be either lowered or increased, depending on the reactivity of the added groups. In general, coverage with apolar groups and reduction of the number of sites result in a lower pH response, while addition of basic or acidic groups as well as an increase of active sites give a higher pH response. Using the extended site-dissociation model, which describes the behaviour of a surface composed of two types of sites, theoretical curves for surface potential versus pH are calculated. Measurements with chemically-treated siO2 and Ta2O5 ISFETs confirm the theoretical expectations. The conclusion has been drawn that by a proper choice of chemical treatment, both the point of zero charge (pzc) and the pH-insensitive rage can be changed.

Optimization of a chemo-optical surface plasmon resonance based sensor

A surface plasmon based chemooptical sensor has been optimized by the use of computer simulation programs. Calculated and experimentally measured performances are in good agreement, showing the value of the simulation tool.

How electrical and chemical requirements for refets may coincide

After discussing the features of a differential ISFET/REFET measuring concept, the published attempts to construct a proper REFET are summarized. It is concluded that the present REFETs are based upon the addition of a blocking polymeric layer to the gate surface of an ISFET, but that this approach fails with respect to the required insensitivity to ionic strength variations as well as with respect to the electrical stability. As a solution to these problems, this paper describes the development of a REFET concept that is based on the chemical attachment of a non-blocking polymeric layer. Characterization methods of these layers with respect to the electrical as well as the chemical behaviour are given and discussed. Finally, the experimental results of an acrylate/polyHEMA-REFET are shown in a differential ISFET/REFET system.

New membrane materials for potassium-selective ion-sensitive field-effect transistors

Several polymeric materials were studied as membrane materials for potassium-selective ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) to overcome the problems related with the use of conventional plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membranes casted on ISFET gate surfaces. Several acrylate materials, such as ACE, Epocryl and derivatives, showed no reproducible results. Three room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV)-type silicone rubbers were tested. The addition-type RTV-2 silicone rubber was not suitable as a membrane material, but the condensation-type RTV-1 and especially the RTV-2 silicone rubber showed good results. ISFETs with a Silopren membrane showed a durability of at least 2 months.

Ion-sensing using chemically-modified ISFETs

Synthetic macrocyclic polyether ion receptors are the active components for the selective and sensitive detection of potassium ions in chemical sensors based on modified ISFETs. Covalent chemical anchoring of the sensing membrane to the gate oxide of the ISFET is essential in order to increase the lifetime of the sensor system to more than three months.

Impedance spectroscopy and surface study of potassium-selective silicone rubber membranes

Impedance spectroscopy measurements of silicone rubber membranes containing potassium-selective neutral carriers are reported. Two types of silicone rubbers are studied viz. the commercially available Siloprene and a novel copolymer, that was synthesized for application on Ion-Sensitive Field Effect Transistors (ISFETs). Three different potassium-selective ionophores have been studied, the natural ionophore, valinomycin, and two hemispherand type ionophores. One of the hemispherands can be covalently bonded to the polysiloxane copolymer matrix. The bulk resistance of the valinomycin containing membranes was found to be dependent on the contacting electrolyte solution. The K+/Na+ selectivity of the membrane is reflected in the behavior of the bulk resistance. The presence of a surface film on Siloprene membranes reported in the literature is confirmed. A surface study revealed the presence of small droplets exuded by the Siloprene membrane. The copolymer seems not to suffer from the presence of a surface film.

Design and properties of a flow-injection analysis cell using potassium-selective ion-sensitive field-effect transistors as detection elements

The combination of flow-injection analysis (FIA) and chemically modified ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (CHEMFETs) is described. In a wall-jet cell, two identical potassium-selective CHEMFETs were used for a differential measurement using a platinum (pseudo-)reference electrode. Silicone-rubber membrane materials, chemically bound to the SiO2 gate oxide, were used with valinomycin as the ionophore. The optimized FIA system showed a linear response of 56 mV per decade for potassium concentrations above 5 × 10−5 M. Preliminary results of potassium determinations in human serum and urine samples are presented.

Chromoionophores in optical ion sensors

The feasibility of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for ion sensing has been investigated. Emphasis is laid on a simulation-based optimization of the SP carrying structure, as well as the applicability of a specific chemo—optical interface we have developed. A preliminary result is presented.

Design and realization of a surface plasmon resonance based chemo-optical sensor

Surface plasmon resonance is applied for sensing concentrations of ammonia in air, using a thin bromo-cresol purple layer as a chemo-optical interface. The sensor shows a dynamic range of 0.5–15 mbar, a resolution of about 5% and a response time smaller than 1 min.