Mesoporous membrane device for asymmetric biosensing.

An array of micron size reactors has been designed and fabricated on a mesoporous membrane to create a platform for asymmetric biochemical sensing. Fabrication of this device required that a technique be developed to integrate the mesoporous alumina membrane with a polymeric layer that maintains the integrity of the membrane surface and permeability. This device was used to control an enzyme reaction at the surface of the membrane through the diffusion of the substrates from the opposite sides of the membrane. Asymmetric reactions promise new modes of sensing, enhanced stability of delicate biomolecular systems, and enhanced sensitivity and speed in sensing.