Submitted to J. Am. Chem. Soc. as a Communication
(12-17-97)
Solution-Based Analysis of Multiple Analytes by a
Sensor Array: Toward the Development of an "Electronic Tongue"
John J. Lavigne,a Steve Savoy,a Marvin B. Clevenger,a
Jason E. Richie,a J. Bridget McDoniel,a Seung-Jin Yoo,b Eric V. Anslyn,a*
John T. McDevitt,a* Jason B. Shear,a* and Dean Neikirk.b*
Contribution from Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry(a)
and Department of Electrical Engineering(b)
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Abstract:
A micromachined sensor array has been developed for the rapid characterization
of multi-component mixtures in aqueous media. The sensor functions
in a manner analogous to that of the mammalian tongue. Likewise,
the sensor creates specific patterns for different mixtures of analytes.
This first-generation Òelectronic tongueÓ has the ability to assay solution
content for Ca2+, Ce3+, H+, and fructose using colorimetric indicators
that are covalently linked to polyethylene glycol-polystyrene resin beads.
These "taste buds" are deposited into an array of micromachine etched wells
localized on silicon wafers. The hybrid micromachined structure has
been interfaced directly to a charged-coupled-device (CCD) which is used
for the simultaneous acquisition of the colorimetric data from the individually
addressable "taste bud" elements. With the miniature sensor array,
acquisition of data streams composed of red, green, and blue (RGB) color
patterns distinctive for the analytes in the solution are rapidly acquired.
The design and functionality of this powerful new sensor array is reported
herein.