Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a signal molecule in the nervous system, as a defense against infections, as a regulator of blood pressure, and as a gate keeper of blood flow to different organs. In vivo, it is thought to have a lifetime of a few seconds. Therefore, its direct detection at low concentrations is difficult. We report on a new type of hybrid, organic-semiconductor, electronic sensor that makes detection of nitric oxide in physiological solution possible. The mode of action of the device is described to explain how its electrical resistivity changes as a result of NO binding to a layer of native hemin molecules. These molecules are self-assembled on a GaAs surface to which they are attached through a carboxylate binding group. The new sensor provides a fast and simple method for directly detecting NO at concentrations down to 1 μM in physiological aqueous (pH=7.4) solution at room temperature.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1743-1749 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Chemistry - A European Journal |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 17 Apr 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Biosensors
- Chemoselectivity
- Gallium arsenide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Porphyrinoids
- Semiconductors