Design and development of novel screen-printed microelectrode and microbiosensor arrays fabricated using ultrafast pulsed laser ablation

A new generic platform for the development of microbiosensors combining screen-printing and ultrafast pulsed laser technologies has been developed, characterised and evaluated. This new platform consists of a layer of screen-printed carbon ink containing the enzyme and mediator, covered with an insulating layer formed from a dielectric screen printed ink. Microholes were drilled through the insulated layer by ultrafast pulsed laser ablation to generate the microbiosensor array. The geometry of the microelectrode array was evaluated by optical microscopy, white light surface profiling and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical behaviour of the microelectrode array was characterised by cyclic voltammetry and compared with macroelectrodes. The analytical performance of the microbiosensor array was evaluated with external counter and reference electrodes for hydrogen peroxide and glucose determination showing linearity up to 4 mmol L−1 and 20 mmol L−1 (360 mg dL−1) respectively. The full screen printed three-electrode configuration shows linearity for glucose determination up to 20 mmol L−1 (360 mg dL−1). This study provides a new fabrication method for microelectrode and microbiosensor arrays capable for the first time to retain the activity of the enzymatic system after processing by pulse laser ablation.