Dependable MEF Systems based on Control and Direct Sensing Electrodes via Current and Impedance Self-Tests

The research in the area of microelectronic fluidic (MEF) devices for biomedical applications is rapidly growing. As faults in these devices can have severe personal implications, a system is presented which includes fault-tolerance with respect to the synthesized biomaterials (peptides). It can employ purity detection of peptides via current tests of control electrodes or impedance measurements using direct sensing electrodes near the peptide collector area. In the case of purity problems, the location is marked, and repeated synthesis at another collector site is initiated.