Electrochemical Sensors & Biosensors
Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors: Methods, Electrodes and Potentiostats
A guide to designing and testing electrochemical sensors: from modifying glassy carbon electrodes with nanomaterials and choosing DPV, SWV or EIS, to calculating the limit of detection.
- 100 fAcurrent sensitivity
- 1 µVvoltage resolution
- DPV · SWV · NPV · ACVfull pulse voltammetry
- PortableCS100ME with Bluetooth & app
How electrochemical sensors work
Electrochemical sensors turn analyte reactions at the electrode surface into a current, potential or impedance signal. In voltammetric sensors the peak current is proportional to analyte concentration. In biosensors the electrode carries an enzyme, antibody or DNA that recognises the target selectively, such as glucose oxidase for glucose. In impedimetric sensors target binding changes the charge-transfer resistance measured by EIS.
Most sensor research in Indonesia uses glassy carbon electrodes modified with nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots or metal-oxide nanoparticles to enlarge the surface and speed up electron transfer. The Corrtest brochure quotes 100 fA current sensitivity and 1 µV voltage resolution for sensor and biosensor research.
Choosing a measurement method
| Method | Strength | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| CV | Electrode characterisation and reaction mechanism | Testing modified electrodes with ferri/ferrocyanide |
| Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) | Low background current, low detection limit | Drugs, dopamine, uric acid, pesticides |
| Square wave voltammetry (SWV) | Fast and sensitive | Heavy metals, biomarkers |
| Amperometry (i-t) | Real-time response, suits stepwise calibration | Enzymatic and non-enzymatic glucose sensors |
| EIS | Label-free; sensitive to surface binding | Immunosensors, aptasensors, DNA |
| Stripping voltammetry | Pre-concentrates the analyte; very sensitive | Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu in water |
Limits of detection and quantification
LOD = 3 · σ / Sσ = standard deviation of the blank (or intercept), S = calibration slope.
LOQ = 10 · σ / SLowest concentration that can be measured with acceptable precision.
Sensitivitas = S / A (µA · µM⁻¹ · cm⁻²)Calibration slope divided by geometric electrode area (A), for comparison between studies.
Recommended models
The Corrtest brochure recommends the CS100ME, CS350M and CS310X for sensors.
| Product | Best for | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrtest CS300M (no EIS) | DPV, SWV and amperometry without EIS; economical for voltammetric sensors. | Rp 99.144.000 | Buy online |
| Corrtest CS350M (EIS to 1 MHz, ±2 A) | Every sensor method including impedimetric EIS. | Rp 167.884.000 | Buy online |
| Corrtest CS310X multichannel (option A, 4 channels) | Tests many sensor electrodes at once. | Rp 240.700.000 | Buy online |
| Corrtest CS100ME portable (Bluetooth) | Handheld with Bluetooth and a phone app; for field tests and sensor prototypes. | on request | Request quote |
Store catalogue prices before 11% VAT and shipping; subject to change. Stock and delivery time are confirmed in the quotation.
Electrodes and accessories
| Accessory | Purpose | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS920 glassy carbon electrode Ø2 mm | Base for modified electrodes | Rp 4.407.000 | Buy online |
| CS920 glassy carbon electrode Ø4/5 mm | Larger area, higher current | Rp 4.792.000 | Buy online |
| CS922 platinum working electrode Ø2 mm | Hydrogen peroxide and non-enzymatic glucose sensors | Rp 4.187.000 | Buy online |
| CS925 platinum microelectrode 10/25 µm | Small currents, radial diffusion, small sample volumes | Rp 6.032.000 | Buy online |
| CS926 gold microelectrode 12.5/25 µm | Thiol immobilisation for DNA and aptamers | Rp 6.032.000 | Buy online |
| CS901 Ag/AgCl reference electrode | Standard reference for aqueous sensors | Rp 2.149.000 | Buy online |
| CS911 platinum plate 10 × 10 mm | Counter electrode | Rp 4.131.000 | Buy online |
| CS935 electrolytic cell 50 mL | Three-electrode measuring cell | Rp 2.204.000 | Buy online |
| CS942 electrode polishing kit | Alumina polishing before each modification | Rp 4.958.000 | Buy online |
Store catalogue prices before 11% VAT and shipping; subject to change. Stock and delivery time are confirmed in the quotation.
Equipment packages
Voltammetric Sensor Research Package
CV, DPV, SWV and amperometry with modified glassy carbon electrodes.
- Corrtest CS300MFull pulse voltammetryRp 99.144.000
- 2× CS920 glassy carbon Ø2 mmWorking electrodeRp 8.814.000
- CS901 Ag/AgClReferenceRp 2.149.000
- CS911 platinum plateCounterRp 4.131.000
- CS935 cell 50 mLMeasuring cellRp 2.204.000
- CS942 polishing kitElectrode polishingRp 4.958.000
Impedimetric Biosensor Package
Label-free EIS for immunosensors and aptasensors, plus DPV.
- Corrtest CS350MEIS to 1 MHzRp 167.884.000
- 2× CS920 glassy carbon Ø2 mmWorking electrodeRp 8.814.000
- CS901 Ag/AgClReferenceRp 2.149.000
- CS911 platinum plateCounterRp 4.131.000
- CS935 cell 50 mLMeasuring cellRp 2.204.000
- CS942 Faraday cageShields low-current noiseRp 4.131.000
Estimate = sum of store catalogue prices per component, before 11% VAT and shipping. Components can be swapped to suit your methods and budget; the final price is in the formal quotation.
Tips for reliable sensor data
- Polish glassy carbon with alumina and check it with ferri/ferrocyanide CV before modification; a small ΔEp (about 60–80 mV) indicates a clean surface.
- Control drop-casting volume and drying time for electrode-to-electrode reproducibility.
- Test selectivity against common interferents in real samples, such as ascorbic and uric acid.
- Report reproducibility (several electrodes) and stability (several days).
- Validate with real samples and a reference method such as HPLC or AAS.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need EIS for sensors?
Not for voltammetric and amperometric sensors. EIS is needed for impedimetric sensors and is useful to confirm each electrode modification step.
Can I use screen-printed electrodes?
Yes, with a suitable connector. Ask our team about connectors and printed electrodes.
Which nanomaterials are commonly used to modify electrodes?
Graphene and graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, graphene quantum dots, MXene and metal-oxide nanoparticles. All are available from Nanografi at AMI Scientific.
Can the CS100ME be controlled from a phone?
Yes. According to the Corrtest brochure, the CS100ME supports USB Type-C and Bluetooth, controlled by desktop software or a mobile app.
Need help choosing?
Tell us about your samples, methods and budget. Our team will put together the equipment and supplies with a formal quotation.
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