Capteurs gravimétriques et électrochimiques et leurs applications dans le domaine de la santé et de l'environnement : défis et solutions

Over the past decades, there has been a skyrocketing demand for reliable, ultra-sensitive, and low-cost tools capable of identifying and quantifying a considered analyte (or a family of analytes) in a complex environment. Chemosensors and biosensors can meet these needs and respond to the strict requirements of two key domains: environment and health. My research concerns the design of electrochemical and surface acoustic wave sensors for the detection of biological entities (DNA and proteins) and various types of environmental pollutants (pesticides, heavy ions, etc.). Depending on the analyte to be detected, we have optimized the functionalization technique of the sensors' surfaces (molecular printing, self-assembled layers, or physical adsorption) to ensure the robustness and selectivity of the designed devices. In addition, and to avoid experimental bias, we have quasi-systematically used dual transduction (electrochemistry/gravimetry or electrochemistry/ELISA). While it is indisputable that sensor technology has reached maturity, there are still several challenges to be met before these tools become THE analytical devices of choice for ultrasensitive and specific detection of chemical and biological species.