Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Novel Materials for Biochemical Sensors

Abstract

This chapter presents two different methods employed for the characterization of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) as novel synthetic receptor layers in biochemical sensors. In one method the protocol for the electrochemical deposition of MIPs is developed. Cyclic voltammetry is used to monitor the electrodeposition procedure. Integrated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used as a method to study MIP performance after deposition. In the second method, static deflection of MIP-covered microcantilevers due to the MIP induced surface stress is measured optically. By measuring on several different bare gold and MIP-covered cantilevers, with both optical deflection method and white light interferometry, an upward bending in the bare gold cantilevers and a downward bending in the MIP-covered ones are found. The downward bending of MIP-covered micro-cantilevers is a result of compressive stress induced by the polymer.