Electrochemical and immunomagnetic detection of biological species.

Electrochemical and immunomagnetic detection of biological species.

Electrochemical detection of DNA.

By means of this technique, a single complementary DNA chain from the biological species to be detected is immobilised on a previously prepared surface in a configuration called a “self assembly monolayer” (SAM). The subsequent hybridization with the DNA chains in the problem sample changes the electrochemical properties of the medium, and the changes are detected by means of cyclic voltametry.

Immunomagnetic detection.

By means of this technique, a specific antibody that will react with the antigen to be detected is immobilised on the surface. A second antigen/antibody reaction is then prompted, but with the latter antibodies having previously been marked with a magnetic microsphere. Measuring the changes in the magnetic field with very high resolution sensors enables the antigen of interest to be detected.