SENSOR EMPLOYING IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS

摘要

A sensor comprising an immobilised affinity component capable of interacting with an analyte species and being associated with a conducting polymer such that the interaction of the affinity component and the analyte induces the change in the electrical properties of the polymer. An AC signal is applied to the polymer, and the induced change in impedance resulting from the interaction is measured. The impedance is measured at a frequency or frequencies corresponding to a peak or peaks in the relationship between frequency and impedance change for the polymer and the analyte. The measurement may be made by reference to the imaginary or real component of impedance. The polymer may be in the form of a layer bridging two electrodes between which the impedance is measured. The two electrodes may together define an interdigitated electrode assembly.