Magnetic solids in electrochemical analysis

Magnetic solids possess several attractive properties for electrochemists as they simplify the creation of nanotechnology-based complex structures directly on electrodes or for electrode modification. In addition, affinity-based immobilization of targets on magnetic solids enables their actuation via the magnetism phenomenon and provides easy washing steps, thereby minimizing the sample matrix effect and reducing the analysis time. Furthermore, magnetic materials increase the specific surface area of electrodes; thus, various sensing platforms benefit from the enlargement of the recognition layer and enhanced target binding efficiency. Here, advances in electrochemical analysis exploiting catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of magnetic particles and molecularly imprinted polymers are discussed. In addition, nucleic acids, proteins and cell biosensors that utilize magnetic materials are reviewed here.