Systems and Methods for Integrated Detection

Background: Electrochemical sensors that can quickly selectively and sensitively detect unknown chemicals in air or water are vital for many applications. These include environmental monitoring biomedical diagnostics security applications and food and drinking water safety. Current electrochemical sensors fail to detect low concentrations of important analytes and are often highly dependent on the environmental conditions. In addition electrical sensors are typically large and can be expensive to manufacture. Technology Description: To overcome these drawbacks researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed an integrated sensing device capable of detecting an analyte using a combination of electrochemical electrical and/or optical signals.The device consists of three electrodes connected via bridging materials. The analyte is placed on the bridging materials between the electrodes and can be analyze through optical transmission mode or through electrical measurements through the electrode. Additionally the bridging materials can be modified with recognition elements for enhanced selectivity in chemical detection. The device that has been developed introduces synergetic capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices. Applications: 1) Environmental detection and protection 2) Security Applications 3) Food and drinking water safety 4) Biomedical analysis