Development of nano-metallic catalysts for the single-use, disposable biomedical sensor platform technology

Single use, disposable biosensors for the in vitro detection of biomarkers are important for home care, point-of-care and early stage diagnosis applications. The sensitivity and the repeatability of the biosensor outputs are important, and minimum interference by other components in the test medium is also essential. Enzymatic reactions of the biomarkers producing an electrochemically active species, such as H₂O₂ and NADH, are often used as a means for the detection of the biomarkers. Nanoparticle metallic catalyst appears to provide enhanced performance of various biosensors. Experimental assessments of many biomarkers, such as glucose, ketone (3β-hydroxybutyrate), total bile acid and others using the nano-particle metallic catalyst have been undertaken. It is also shown that bi-metallic nanoparticles can further enhance the performance of the biosensor. Methods of preparing and testing these of nano-particles will be discussed.