Layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrochemistry: Applications in biosensing and bioelectronics

This paper provides an overview of different nanostructured architectures utilised in electrochemical devices and their application in biosensing and bioelectronics. Emphasis is placed on the fabrication of nanostructured films based on a layer-by-layer (LBL) films approach. We discuss the theory and the mechanism of charge transfer in polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEM), as well as between biomolecules and redox centres, for the development of more sensitive and selective biosensors. Further, this paper presents an overview of topics involving the interaction between nanostructured materials, including metallic nanoparticles and carbon materials, and their effects on the preservation of the activity of biological molecules immobilised on electrode surfaces. This paper also presents examples of biological molecules utilised in film fabrication, such as DNA, several kinds of proteins, and oligonucleotides, and of the role of molecular interaction in biosensing performance. Towards the utilisation of LBL films, examples of several architectures and different electrochemical approaches demonstrate the potential of nanostructured LBL films for several applications that include the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Our main aim in this review is to survey what can assist researchers by presenting various approaches currently used in the field of bioelectrochemistry utilising supramolecular architectures based on an LBL approach for application in electrochemical biosensing. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.