The influence of different methods of disinfection on the function of electrochemical sensors

The sterility of sensors, which are used in medical applications in vivo or for biochemical investigations in living cells, is a necessary but difficult-to-achieve prerequisite for the use of sensors. The influence of various disinfection and sterilisation methods on the function of sensors was explored through sample investigations of pH–ISFET sensors for a gynecological probe and of miniaturized oxygen sensors. Different commercially available disinfectants were utilized in this investigation as well as gas sterilisation, radiation sterilisation and plasma sterilisation. For characterization of the sensor function before and after the sterilisation or disinfection, response behaviour as well as the calibration results were examined. Additionally, results of voltammetric measurements and other electrochemical investigations were compared.