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A.Q. Contractor

Other affiliations: Indian Institutes of Technology
Bio: A.Q. Contractor is an academic researcher from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polyaniline & Conductive polymer. The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 38 publications receiving 1932 citations. Previous affiliations of A.Q. Contractor include Indian Institutes of Technology.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper describes the fabrication of polyaniline-based microsensors and microsensor arrays for the estimation of glucose, urea, and triglycerides and can be extended to other enzyme-substrate systems to eventually produce an "electronic tongue".
Abstract: This paper describes the fabrication of polyaniline-based microsensors and microsensor arrays for the estimation of glucose, urea, and triglycerides. Microelectronics technology has been used to produce gold interdigitated microelectrodes on oxidized silicon wafers. Polymer deposition and enzyme immobilization has been done electrochemically. Electrochemical potential control has been used to direct enzyme immobilization to the chosen microelectrodes and prevent it at other microelectrodes in contact with the enzyme solution. This has enabled the immobilization of three different enzymes on three closely spaced microelectrodes, resulting in a sensor array which can analyze a sample containing a mixture of glucose, urea, and triolein in a single measurement using a few microliters of the sample. This strategy is quite general and can be extended to other enzyme−substrate systems to eventually produce an “electronic tongue”.

221 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The fabrication of microtubular biosensors and sensor arrays based on polyaniline with superior transducing ability are described, resulting in a microtubule array that can analyze a sample containing a mixture of glucose, urea, and triglycerides in a single measurement.
Abstract: This paper describes the fabrication of microtubular biosensors and sensor arrays based on polyaniline with superior transducing ability. These sensors have been tested for the estimation of glucose, urea, and triglycerides. As compared to that of a macro sensor, the response of the microtubular sensor for glucose is higher by a factor of more than 103. Isoporous polycarbonate membranes have been used to fabricate inexpensive devices by simple thermal evaporation of gold using appropriate machined masks. Polyaniline deposition and enzyme immobilization have been done electrochemically. Electrochemical potential control has been used to direct enzyme immobilization to the chosen membrane device and avoid cross talk with adjacent devices. This has enabled the immobilization of a set of three different enzymes on three closely spaced devices, resulting in a microtubule array that can analyze a sample containing a mixture of glucose, urea, and triglycerides in a single measurement. This, in essence, is an “el...

130 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A dibenzyl substituted poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) was designed and synthesized, and exhibited a contrast of 89% at 632nm with switching speeds of 400 milliseconds and coloration efficiency of 575 cm2 C−1.
Abstract: A dibenzyl substituted poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) was designed and synthesized, and exhibited a contrast of 89% at 632 nm with switching speeds of 400 ms and coloration efficiency of 575 cm2 C−1.

111 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a generic biosensor concept is proposed, which involves immobilization of an appropriate enzyme in the conducting polymer matrix, which results in a change in redox potential and/or pH of the micro environment in the polymer matrix.

107 citations


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BookDOI
04 Apr 2005
Abstract: Preface. Preface to the First Edition. Contributors. Contributors to the First Edition. Chapter 1. Fundamentals of Impedance Spectroscopy (J.Ross Macdonald and William B. Johnson). 1.1. Background, Basic Definitions, and History. 1.1.1 The Importance of Interfaces. 1.1.2 The Basic Impedance Spectroscopy Experiment. 1.1.3 Response to a Small-Signal Stimulus in the Frequency Domain. 1.1.4 Impedance-Related Functions. 1.1.5 Early History. 1.2. Advantages and Limitations. 1.2.1 Differences Between Solid State and Aqueous Electrochemistry. 1.3. Elementary Analysis of Impedance Spectra. 1.3.1 Physical Models for Equivalent Circuit Elements. 1.3.2 Simple RC Circuits. 1.3.3 Analysis of Single Impedance Arcs. 1.4. Selected Applications of IS. Chapter 2. Theory (Ian D. Raistrick, Donald R. Franceschetti, and J. Ross Macdonald). 2.1. The Electrical Analogs of Physical and Chemical Processes. 2.1.1 Introduction. 2.1.2 The Electrical Properties of Bulk Homogeneous Phases. 2.1.2.1 Introduction. 2.1.2.2 Dielectric Relaxation in Materials with a Single Time Constant. 2.1.2.3 Distributions of Relaxation Times. 2.1.2.4 Conductivity and Diffusion in Electrolytes. 2.1.2.5 Conductivity and Diffusion-a Statistical Description. 2.1.2.6 Migration in the Absence of Concentration Gradients. 2.1.2.7 Transport in Disordered Media. 2.1.3 Mass and Charge Transport in the Presence of Concentration Gradients. 2.1.3.1 Diffusion. 2.1.3.2 Mixed Electronic-Ionic Conductors. 2.1.3.3 Concentration Polarization. 2.1.4 Interfaces and Boundary Conditions. 2.1.4.1 Reversible and Irreversible Interfaces. 2.1.4.2 Polarizable Electrodes. 2.1.4.3 Adsorption at the Electrode-Electrolyte Interface. 2.1.4.4 Charge Transfer at the Electrode-Electrolyte Interface. 2.1.5 Grain Boundary Effects. 2.1.6 Current Distribution, Porous and Rough Electrodes- the Effect of Geometry. 2.1.6.1 Current Distribution Problems. 2.1.6.2 Rough and Porous Electrodes. 2.2. Physical and Electrochemical Models. 2.2.1 The Modeling of Electrochemical Systems. 2.2.2 Equivalent Circuits. 2.2.2.1 Unification of Immitance Responses. 2.2.2.2 Distributed Circuit Elements. 2.2.2.3 Ambiguous Circuits. 2.2.3 Modeling Results. 2.2.3.1 Introduction. 2.2.3.2 Supported Situations. 2.2.3.3 Unsupported Situations: Theoretical Models. 2.2.3.4 Unsupported Situations: Equivalent Network Models. 2.2.3.5 Unsupported Situations: Empirical and Semiempirical Models. Chapter 3. Measuring Techniques and Data Analysis. 3.1. Impedance Measurement Techniques (Michael C. H. McKubre and Digby D. Macdonald). 3.1.1 Introduction. 3.1.2 Frequency Domain Methods. 3.1.2.1 Audio Frequency Bridges. 3.1.2.2 Transformer Ratio Arm Bridges. 3.1.2.3 Berberian-Cole Bridge. 3.1.2.4 Considerations of Potentiostatic Control. 3.1.2.5 Oscilloscopic Methods for Direct Measurement. 3.1.2.6 Phase-Sensitive Detection for Direct Measurement. 3.1.2.7 Automated Frequency Response Analysis. 3.1.2.8 Automated Impedance Analyzers. 3.1.2.9 The Use of Kramers-Kronig Transforms. 3.1.2.10 Spectrum Analyzers. 3.1.3 Time Domain Methods. 3.1.3.1 Introduction. 3.1.3.2 Analog-to-Digital (A/D) Conversion. 3.1.3.3 Computer Interfacing. 3.1.3.4 Digital Signal Processing. 3.1.4 Conclusions. 3.2. Commercially Available Impedance Measurement Systems (Brian Sayers). 3.2.1 Electrochemical Impedance Measurement Systems. 3.2.1.1 System Configuration. 3.2.1.2 Why Use a Potentiostat? 3.2.1.3 Measurements Using 2, 3 or 4-Terminal Techniques. 3.2.1.4 Measurement Resolution and Accuracy. 3.2.1.5 Single Sine and FFT Measurement Techniques. 3.2.1.6 Multielectrode Techniques. 3.2.1.7 Effects of Connections and Input Impedance. 3.2.1.8 Verification of Measurement Performance. 3.2.1.9 Floating Measurement Techniques. 3.2.1.10 Multichannel Techniques. 3.2.2 Materials Impedance Measurement Systems. 3.2.2.1 System Configuration. 3.2.2.2 Measurement of Low Impedance Materials. 3.2.2.3 Measurement of High Impedance Materials. 3.2.2.4 Reference Techniques. 3.2.2.5 Normalization Techniques. 3.2.2.6 High Voltage Measurement Techniques. 3.2.2.7 Temperature Control. 3.2.2.8 Sample Holder Considerations. 3.3. Data Analysis (J. Ross Macdonald). 3.3.1 Data Presentation and Adjustment. 3.3.1.1 Previous Approaches. 3.3.1.2 Three-Dimensional Perspective Plotting. 3.3.1.3 Treatment of Anomalies. 3.3.2 Data Analysis Methods. 3.3.2.1 Simple Methods. 3.3.2.2 Complex Nonlinear Least Squares. 3.3.2.3 Weighting. 3.3.2.4 Which Impedance-Related Function to Fit? 3.3.2.5 The Question of "What to Fit" Revisited. 3.3.2.6 Deconvolution Approaches. 3.3.2.7 Examples of CNLS Fitting. 3.3.2.8 Summary and Simple Characterization Example. Chapter 4. Applications of Impedance Spectroscopy. 4.1. Characterization of Materials (N. Bonanos, B. C. H. Steele, and E. P. Butler). 4.1.1 Microstructural Models for Impedance Spectra of Materials. 4.1.1.1 Introduction. 4.1.1.2 Layer Models. 4.1.1.3 Effective Medium Models. 4.1.1.4 Modeling of Composite Electrodes. 4.1.2 Experimental Techniques. 4.1.2.1 Introduction. 4.1.2.2 Measurement Systems. 4.1.2.3 Sample Preparation-Electrodes. 4.1.2.4 Problems Associated With the Measurement of Electrode Properties. 4.1.3 Interpretation of the Impedance Spectra of Ionic Conductors and Interfaces. 4.1.3.1 Introduction. 4.1.3.2 Characterization of Grain Boundaries by IS. 4.1.3.3 Characterization of Two-Phase Dispersions by IS. 4.1.3.4 Impedance Spectra of Unusual Two-phase Systems. 4.1.3.5 Impedance Spectra of Composite Electrodes. 4.1.3.6 Closing Remarks. 4.2. Characterization of the Electrical Response of High Resistivity Ionic and Dielectric Solid Materials by Immittance Spectroscopy (J. Ross Macdonald). 4.2.1 Introduction. 4.2.2 Types of Dispersive Response Models: Strengths and Weaknesses. 4.2.2.1 Overview. 4.2.2.2 Variable-slope Models. 4.2.2.3 Composite Models. 4.2.3 Illustration of Typical Data Fitting Results for an Ionic Conductor. 4.3. Solid State Devices (William B. Johnson and Wayne L. Worrell). 4.3.1 Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductor (EIS) Sensors. 4.3.2 Solid Electrolyte Chemical Sensors. 4.3.3 Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells. 4.3.4 Impedance Response of Electrochromic Materials and Devices (Gunnar A. Niklasson, Anna Karin Johsson, and Maria Stromme). 4.3.4.1 Introduction. 4.3.4.2 Materials. 4.3.4.3 Experimental Techniques. 4.3.4.4 Experimental Results on Single Materials. 4.3.4.5 Experimental Results on Electrochromic Devices. 4.3.4.6 Conclusions and Outlook. 4.3.5 Time-Resolved Photocurrent Generation (Albert Goossens). 4.3.5.1 Introduction-Semiconductors. 4.3.5.2 Steady-State Photocurrents. 4.3.5.3 Time-of-Flight. 4.3.5.4 Intensity-Modulated Photocurrent Spectroscopy. 4.3.5.5 Final Remarks. 4.4. Corrosion of Materials (Digby D. Macdonald and Michael C. H. McKubre). 4.4.1 Introduction. 4.4.2 Fundamentals. 4.4.3 Measurement of Corrosion Rate. 4.4.4 Harmonic Analysis. 4.4.5 Kramer-Kronig Transforms. 4.4.6 Corrosion Mechanisms. 4.4.6.1 Active Dissolution. 4.4.6.2 Active-Passive Transition. 4.4.6.3 The Passive State. 4.4.7 Point Defect Model of the Passive State (Digby D. Macdonald). 4.4.7.1 Introduction. 4.4.7.2 Point Defect Model. 4.4.7.3 Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. 4.4.7.4 Bilayer Passive Films. 4.4.8 Equivalent Circuit Analysis (Digby D. Macdonald and Michael C. H. McKubre). 4.4.8.1 Coatings. 4.4.9 Other Impedance Techniques. 4.4.9.1 Electrochemical Hydrodynamic Impedance (EHI). 4.4.9.2 Fracture Transfer Function (FTF). 4.4.9.3 Electrochemical Mechanical Impedance. 4.5. Electrochemical Power Sources. 4.5.1 Special Aspects of Impedance Modeling of Power Sources (Evgenij Barsoukov). 4.5.1.1 Intrinsic Relation Between Impedance Properties and Power Sources Performance. 4.5.1.2 Linear Time-Domain Modeling Based on Impedance Models, Laplace Transform. 4.5.1.3 Expressing Model Parameters in Electrical Terms, Limiting Resistances and Capacitances of Distributed Elements. 4.5.1.4 Discretization of Distributed Elements, Augmenting Equivalent Circuits. 4.5.1.5 Nonlinear Time-Domain Modeling of Power Sources Based on Impedance Models. 4.5.1.6 Special Kinds of Impedance Measurement Possible with Power Sources-Passive Load Excitation and Load Interrupt. 4.5.2 Batteries (Evgenij Barsoukov). 4.5.2.1 Generic Approach to Battery Impedance Modeling. 4.5.2.2 Lead Acid Batteries. 4.5.2.3 Nickel Cadmium Batteries. 4.5.2.4 Nickel Metal-hydride Batteries. 4.5.2.5 Li-ion Batteries. 4.5.3 Impedance Behavior of Electrochemical Supercapacitors and Porous Electrodes (Brian E. Conway). 4.5.3.1 Introduction. 4.5.3.2 The Time Factor in Capacitance Charge or Discharge. 4.5.3.3 Nyquist (or Argand) Complex-Plane Plots for Representation of Impedance Behavior. 4.5.3.4 Bode Plots of Impedance Parameters for Capacitors. 4.5.3.5 Hierarchy of Equivalent Circuits and Representation of Electrochemical Capacitor Behavior. 4.5.3.6 Impedance and Voltammetry Behavior of Brush Electrode Models of Porous Electrodes. 4.5.3.7 Impedance Behavior of Supercapacitors Based on Pseudocapacitance. 4.5.3.8 Deviations of Double-layer Capacitance from Ideal Behavior: Representation by a Constant-phase Element (CPE). 4.5.4 Fuel Cells (Norbert Wagner). 4.5.4.1 Introduction. 4.5.4.2 Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC). 4.5.4.3 Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFC). 4.5.4.4 Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). Appendix. Abbreviations and Definitions of Models. References. Index.

5,212 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: When considering new sensory technologies one should look to nature for guidance, as living organisms have developed the ultimate chemical sensors.
Abstract: When considering new sensory technologies one should look to nature for guidance. Indeed, living organisms have developed the ultimate chemical sensors. Many insects can detect chemical signals with perfect specificity and incredible sensitivity. Mammalian olfaction is based on an array of less discriminating sensors and a memorized response pattern to identify a unique odor. It is important to recognize that the extraordinary sensory performance of biological systems does not originate from a single element. In actuality, their performance is derived from a completely interactive system wherein the receptor is served by analyte delivery and removal mechanisms, selectivity is derived from receptors, and sensitivity is the result of analyte-triggered biochemical cascades. Clearly, optimal artificial sensory sys-

3,464 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
07 Mar 2008-Sensors
TL;DR: In this article, the most common traditional traditional techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, impedance spectroscopy, and various field-effect transistor based methods are presented along with selected promising novel approaches, including nanowire or magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensing.
Abstract: Quantification of biological or biochemical processes are of utmost importance for medical, biological and biotechnological applications. However, converting the biological information to an easily processed electronic signal is challenging due to the complexity of connecting an electronic device directly to a biological environment. Electrochemical biosensors provide an attractive means to analyze the content of a biological sample due to the direct conversion of a biological event to an electronic signal. Over the past decades several sensing concepts and related devices have been developed. In this review, the most common traditional techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, impedance spectroscopy, and various field-effect transistor based methods are presented along with selected promising novel approaches, such as nanowire or magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensing. Additional measurement techniques, which have been shown useful in combination with electrochemical detection, are also summarized, such as the electrochemical versions of surface plasmon resonance, optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy, ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance, and scanning probe microscopy. The signal transduction and the general performance of electrochemical sensors are often determined by the surface architectures that connect the sensing element to the biological sample at the nanometer scale. The most common surface modification techniques, the various electrochemical transduction mechanisms, and the choice of the recognition receptor molecules all influence the ultimate sensitivity of the sensor. New nanotechnology-based approaches, such as the use of engineered ion-channels in lipid bilayers, the encapsulation of enzymes into vesicles, polymersomes, or polyelectrolyte capsules provide additional possibilities for signal amplification. In particular, this review highlights the importance of the precise control over the delicate interplay between surface nano-architectures, surface functionalization and the chosen sensor transducer principle, as well as the usefulness of complementary characterization tools to interpret and to optimize the sensor response.

1,550 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the present review an attempt has been made to describe the salient features of conducting polymers and their wide applications in health care, food industries, environmental monitoring etc.

1,509 citations