Chemosensor devices: voltammetric molecular recognition at solid interfaces

This article reviews progress in modifying electrode surfaces with function al organic molecules which act as signalling units upon molecular recogniti on of a guest molecule or ion. This process triggers a change in the physic ochemical properties of the host assembly which can be monitored by an elec trochemical response. Topics covered include: molecular recognition in conj ugated polymers; molecular recognition in monolayers formed by Langmuir-Blo dgett and self assembly techniques; incorporation of recognition sites ('mo lecular gates') in otherwise passivating monolayers; ion channel sensors. R epresentative redox moieties include: polythiophene and polypyrrole derivat ives, paraquat, ferrocene, tetrathiafulvalene, metalloporphyrins, C-60, Ru( NH3)(6)(3+) and Fe(bpy)(2)(CN)(2)(0). Issues relevant to the development of practical, commercially-viable sensors are considered.