BIO

I am a third-year biochemistry student working on analytical chemistry research in the Lazenby lab group at FSU. My future goals are to attend graduate school in chemistry.

Fabrication and characterization of a tunable microelectrode array for simultaneous electrochemical detection

Abstract

Microelectrode arrays comprised of multiple individually addressable electrodes enable simultaneous and independent measurement of multiple analytes, especially when the electrodes are modified to act as electrochemical sensors. The small sizescale is advantageous as it enables highly localized electrochemical detection. In this work a low-cost tunable microelectrode array was designed and fabricated, which comprised seven closely-spaced but separate platinum or gold wires (25 µm in diameter). A custom-designed 3D printed apparatus was used to twist the wires into a bundle. This apparatus could be modified further to create arrays comprised of more electrodes, or to have a smaller overall device footprint. After twisting, the wire bundle was sealed in epoxy and mechanically polished to expose the surface of seven closely-spaced microelectrode disks imbedded in insulating material, which formed the array. The individual electrodes of the array were characterized through electrochemical methods, and optical and electron microscopy, to evaluate the surface quality and the integrity of the seal between the metal and the insulation. The individually addressable closely-spaced electrodes could be used for simultaneous voltammetric measurements of different electroactive species. The surfaces of the platinum or gold electrodes could be modified for sensing applications. For example, electrodeposited gold would support biosensors that require thiolated self-assembled monolayers. Electrodeposition on the array would also lead to an increased surface area and a potentially cleaner substrate surface.

Keywords: Electrochemistry, Analytical chemistry