Biomedical Coatings

Torr Scientific is processing coatings for biomedical sensors. The biosensors consist of a biological recognition element which are able to specifically interact with a target molecule and a transducer able to convert this interaction into a measurable signal.

The coated devices can be functionalised with extra coatings on top of the electrodes depending on the target analyte. The biosensors are being developed for closed-loop controllers for personalised precision dosing of antimicrobial agents with applications in sports and wellbeing.

The Microspike biosensors are used as minimally invasive sensors with 4 arrays of 16 microspikes each of which can be used in measuring metabolites, biomarkers and drugs in the interstitial fluid. The microspike substrate material is polycarbonate. The metallic electrodes can be functionalised with other coatings.

When used for in situ sensing, the choice of functionalisation conditions depends upon the target analyte being sensed. The devices, developed by a team of scientists at Imperial College London, have been functionalised for sensing glucose, lactate and theophylline. The electrode coating thickness is typically 150nm and offered as standard with a gold (3 electrodes) and silver (1 electrode) version or with 3 platinum and 1 silver electrode. Platinum reduces the noise in the measurements and is more stable.

The microspikes are supplied in packs of 10 or 50 and supplied complete with nuts and bolts for electrical connections. Uncoated polycarbonate microspike substrates are also available.

Please view the Microspike Biosensor data sheet here.