Electrochemical Nucleic Acid Biosensor on a Microfluidic Chip to Understand the Coupling between Electrochemistry and Microfluidics

Teaching graduate students the entanglements of the interdisciplinary field of electrochemical DNA biosensors in microfluidics can be challenging, as it involves multiple fields of research strongly interacting with each other. Yet, electrochemical biosensors coupled with the improved hydrodynamics of microfluidics allow for simpler, more affordable, more high-performing, and portable point of care devices. Here, we present a laboratory made electrochemical biosensor and a series of simple experiments with a two-electrode setup integrated on a microfluidic channel that allows graduate students to understand the influence of microfluidics on key parameters and how microfluidics and electrochemistry are closely interrelated to allow enhanced biosensor functionalities. For each biosensor feature, a theoretical background is provided, enabling a comprehensive report for students and teachers.