Novel head for testing and measurement of chemical microsensors

A novel head for measurement of chemical sensors was designed and tested. The head was manufactured in the form of a round module allowing simultaneous measurement of 10 sensors. Low cost materials were used for fabrication of a special reference electrode, the head, and plugs connecting the sensors with an electronic amplifier. The hydrodynamic properties of the head such as air bubble distribution, possibility of de-aeration and flow-rate optimisation were investigated. K+-selective CHEMFETs based on plasticised poly(vinyl chloride) membranes and valinomycine were chosen as model sensors in order to verify the usefulness of the head. The measurements were carried out in a fully computerised flow set-up governed by special software developed under LabView.