An original technique for functionalizing microscopes

In research funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), a team at Irig electrochemically functionalized silicon micropores. The very sensitive biosensors created in this way are suitable for use analyzing living cells.

Their process, inspired by bipolar electrochemistry, involved placing two electrodes on either side of the pore. This technique usually requires voltages that are inversely proportional to the size of the pore. The researchers deposited a nanometric layer of silicon oxide onto the chip, and then selectively removed the oxide only at each micropore. This channels the field lines and reduces the necessary voltage 100-fold. The method, known as contactless electrofunctionalization, can be applied to both planar pores and pores that pass through the material.

Contact: aurelie.bouchet-spinelli@cea.fr

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