A novel open flow microflow sensor for reduced fouling of chemical sensorsin physiological sampling environments

A method of reducing fouling/biofouling on the active surface of sensors in unclean environments is presented. The technique depends on differences in the diffusion coefficients of the analytes and foulants. Details of the fa brication and testing are given. Results of experiments with a micromachine d flow cell are presented and contrasted with those of a computational flui d dynamics model. Modelling shows effective repulsion of foulants and predi cts a signal strength consistent with experimental results. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science S.A. All rights reserved.