Biosensor Encapsulation via Photoinitiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (piCVD)

Thin and porous poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (pHEA) and poly(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-Tridecafluorooctyl acrylate) (pTFOA) encapsulating layers were successfully deposited on model electrical and optical glucose sensors via photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition (piCVD). This surface-restricted chain growth process afforded uniform coverage and strong interfacial adhesion of the resulting polymer encapsulation layers, which enabled the whole sensing area to be fully covered, even after being subjected to numerous electrochemical scanning cycles. Meanwhile, the amorphous films allowed rapid ion and analyte diffusion through themselves and, therefore, achieved quick sensing responses. Especially, pTFOA promised well-defined calibration curves with good repeatability. Furthermore, piCVD films maintained their morphology after being dehydrated and rehydrated over multiple days demonstrating their excellent stability as surface protective layers. These promising features of pHEA and pTFOA synthesized via piCVD may serve as a new encapsulating idea to be applied to various wearable sensors with different substrates and serve as a new strategy to extend the shelf life and functionality of biosensors.

Automated summary

Thin and porous poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (pHEA) and poly(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-Tridecafluorooctyl acrylate) (pTFOA) encapsulating layers were successfully deposited on model electrical and optical glucose sensors via photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. These layers demonstrate features like uniform coverage, strong interfacial adhesion, quick sensing responses, good repeatability, and excellent stability, making them suitable for various wearable sensors to extend functionality and shelf life.