A new method for the immobilisation of antibodies in conducting polymers

In this work, we report on the antigen-antibody conducting polymer-based se nsors that transduce antigen-antibody interactions into measurable changes in electrochemical properties. These polymers are derived from polypyrroles and polybithiophenes functionalized by an activated ester. Two new thiophe ne and pyrrole derivatives containing activated ester groups covalently lin ked to a conjugated backbone via a linear arm spacer have been synthesized. These monomers undergo a facile electropolymerisation at the electrode sur face and can be easily functionalized by an antigen group. The electrochemi cal results show that the cyclic voltammograms of antigen-polymer are modif ied when the antibody-antigen interaction occurs. Furthermore, the electroc hemical response of polymer/antigen and polymer/antigen-antibody systems de pends on the hydrophobic character of the polymers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.