Ion-channel biosensors. Part I : Construction, operation, and clinical studies

This paper deals with the construction and operation of a novel biosensor that exploits the molecular switching mechanisms of biological ion channels. The biosensor comprises gramicidin A channels embedded in a synthetic tethered lipid bilayer. It provides a highly sensitive and rapid detection method for a wide variety of analytes. In this paper, we outline the fabrication and principle of operation of the ion-channel switch (ICS) biosensor. The results of a clinical study, in which the ion-channel biosensor is used to detect influenza A in untreated clinical samples, is presented to demonstrate the utility of the technology. Fabrication of biochip arrays using silicon chips decorated with ink jet printing is discussed. We also describe how such biochip arrays can be used for multianalyte sensing. Finally, reproducibility/stability issues of the biosensor are addressed.