Abstract
New developments in laser ablation have shown great potential as nanofabrication methodologies, offering many significant advantages over more traditional methods. Herein, we have developed a method for applying two of these techniques, confined atmospheric pulsed-laser (CAP) deposition and laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS), to the fabrication of a nanostructured sensor platform. Following deposition, additional steps were then used to crosslink the deposited nanostructures and fabricate counter and reference electrodes. Chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to assess the effects of these crosslinking steps on the properties of the sensor surfaces. These experiments resulted in the development of a simple, inexpensive and readily scalable process for the fabrication of 3-electrode sensor systems. As an example of a readily measurable surface interaction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to demonstrate the use of these systems in the detection of 6-mercaptohexanol. This interaction was examined in real-time by measuring the change in the EIS of the sensor system over time following its exposure to the thiol. This experiment clearly showed a measurable EIS response, demonstrating the effectiveness of these newly fabricated sensors for the detection of a simple surface interaction and suggesting the future potential of these laser based methods as the basis for an inexpensive, facile, rapid and scalable sensor fabrication process. • Development of a novel, inexpensive, scalable, laser based method for the fabrication of nanostructured biosensors. • Comparison of several sensor designs from various stages of the development process. • Demonstration of basic sensor activity using chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. • Examination of the effects of a key fabrication step on the properties of the sensor surface.
Highlights
The application of nanotechnology in the design of sensor surfaces has led to a significant increase in their sensitivity in recent times [1,2]
laser processing in liquids (LPL) techniques such as laser assisted synthesis in solution known as pulsed laser ablation in liquid (LASiS / PLAL) [23,24] and pulsed laser melting in liquid (PLML) [25,26] work by irradiating a bulk metal but in these techniques the ejecta plume is expelled into a solvent, where it condenses to form a colloid [14]. Both of these nanofabrication approaches have been shown to offer significant benefits when compared to other nanofabrication techniques being less costly, more applicable to mass production of nanotechnological products, and more green than conventional alternatives [15,27]. Based on these recent advances in nanofabrication, this study focused on the development of an inexpensive, scalable, laser-based methodology for the fabrication of a nanostructured sensor surface
The results obtained demonstrate the significant potential of the developed laser based fabrication methods as a tool for the production of nanostructured sensor surfaces
Summary
The application of nanotechnology in the design of sensor surfaces has led to a significant increase in their sensitivity in recent times [1,2]. As a result of these benefits, much of the attention in sensor research has been directed towards the exploration of the sensing properties of the various novel and unique types of structures accessible through existing nanofabrication methods [3,4] Through these explorations it has been found, for example, that porous, layered, nanostructured sensors offer significantly enhanced sensitivity over earlier designs representing a relatively simple path to signal amplification [[5], [6], [7]]. These benefits and exciting possibilities for future development have brought with them an increase in both the complexity and cost of biosensor manufacture. There is a clear need for the research and development of scalable, inexpensive nanofabrication methods to enable sensor designs to reach their application potential [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
