Reversibly immobilized biological materials in monolayer films on electrodes
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
InventorsPaul F. Weaver, Arthur J. Frank
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Abstract
Methods and techniques are described for reversibly binding charged biological particles in a fluid medium to an electrode surface. The methods are useful in a variety of applications. The biological materials may include microbes, proteins, and viruses. The electrode surface may consist of reversibly electroactive materials such as polyvinylferrocene, silicon-linked ferrocene or quinone.
Claims7
A method for reversibly binding negatively charged biological particles in a liquid medium at neutral pH to an electrode surface, wherein said particles are selected from the group consisting of microbial cells and proteins the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) treating said electrode surface with an electrochemically active material selected from the group consisting of polyvinylferrocene, silicon-linked ferrocene and quinone;
- (b) connecting said electrode to an electrical potential;
- wherein said electrical potential induces a positive charge on said electrochemically active material;
- and
- (c) exposing said medium to said electrode surface in a manner such that said charged particles are adsorbed on said electrode surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.