Electrofunctionalization: Small 20/2009

The cover picture illustrates an innovative functionalization technique, referred to as “contactless electrofunctionalization” (CLEF). The inner surface of a pore etched in a dielectric membrane can be easily coated in a single step and in physiologically compatible conditions. Localized deposition of polypyrrole copolymers bearing oligonucleotides, as well as metallic oxides, are experimentally demonstrated. Both are selectively deposited on the pore walls with no additional deposition onto the dielectric membrane. CLEF thus constitutes a significant improvement over classically used surface-modification techniques. Its high efficiency makes it a promising technique, particularly for biosensor applications. For more information, please read the Full Paper “Contactless Electrofunctionalization of a Single Pore” by A. Bouchet, V. Haguet, et al., beginning on page 2297.