Description
Preparation of interdigitated gold microelectrode surface (IDGME) for silane-reaction with the aim for biomolecular interactive analysis for high bioreactivity with reliable electrical response. This experiment involves optimization on IDGME surface using non-thermal oxygen plasma for (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalization. Bare IDGME chips were characterized using a real-time current-voltage (I-V) analysis at voltage ranges from -4 to +4, supplied by picoammeter. About 20 µL de-ionized water was initially introduced to the surface of the chip followed by electrolyte scouting at pH ranged from 1 to 12, performed with the above measurements. The surface morphology of the bare chip was investigated using high-power microscopy. Separate IDGME chips were exposed to oxygen plasma for 10, 20 and 60 sec for surface activation, after which electrolyte scouting was performed and compared with chemical surface hydroxyl etching. These chips were loaded with 0.5, 1 and 2% APTES with 30% ethanol as solvent. The bare chip was first loaded with 20 µL of 1 M of KOH solution for 5 min, afterthat loaded with APTES solution, whereas the plasma-treated chips were loaded directly with APTES for 30 mins each, and I-V measurements were carried out. The above pilot experimental analysis provided a basis for identifying a suitable IDGME surface preparation in order to get a highly sensitive interaction for biomolecular analysis.
Keywords: Oxygen plasma, (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, Biosensor, Gold electrode
