Screen printing technology, applications

The possible use of graphite-epoxy material by screen-printing technology opens the possibility of mass production of disposable sensors for heavy-metal analysis using stripping techniques. The utilization of these sensors for an extensive application in real heavy-metal samples is underway in our laboratories. 

J.P. Hart, A.K. Abass, K.C. Honeychurch, R.M. Pemberton, S.L. Ryan and R. Wedge, Sensors/biosensors, based on screen-printing technology for biomedical applications, Indian J. Chem., Sect. A, 42 (2003) 709-718. 

Tudorache, M. and Bala, C. (2007) Biosensors based on screen-printing technology, and their applications in environmental and food analysis. Anal. Bioanal. Chem., 388, 565. 

An important particularity with inhibition assays is that when this is an irreversible inhibition, it forces the use of disposable biosensors that may be prepared, e.g. by screen-printing technology, and the whole application relies then on the reproducibility of manufacture of different devices [70]. 

In the past, electron beam radiation was applied to produce PSA exclusively however, recent improvements in UV curing technology (precise UV dose control, suitable photoinitiators) permit UV to be used to produce pressure-sensitive adhesives. PSA formulations can vary in consistency from low-viscosity liquids up to solids melting at 80°C (176°F). Therefore, applications may vary from screen printing to roll coating to melt extrusion. Coat weights for most PSA materials vary from 1 to 10 g/m. ... 

This new material coupled with its compatibility with miniaturization and mass fabrication technologies (screen-printing techniques), and versatility, makes them very attractive as user-friendly devices for quick and on-site analyses in industrial and environmental applications. 

Screen-printing is a proven technology, readily adaptable to the manufacture of diverse sensor/biosensor devices for a wide range of applications, and has great potential for new devices, particularly where simplicity of fabrication, and operations at low cost, are important factors. Future devices are likely to incorporate nanoparticles where enhanced sensitivity with miniaturisation may be required. 

J. Atkinson, Screen printing the art of thick-film sensors. In K.T.V. Grattan (Ed.), Sensors Technology, Systems and Applications, Adam Hilger, Bristol, 1992, pp. 541-546. 

Applications of electrochemical transducers have relied on conventional and bulky disk (C, Au) or mercury drop electrodes, as well as on mass-producible, single-use, thick-film carbon screen-printed electrodes. The sensitivity of such devices, coupled to their compatibility with modern microfabrication technologies, portability, low cost (disposability), minimal power requirements, and independence of sample turbidity or optical pathway, make them excellent candidates for DNA diagnostics. In addition, electrochem-... 

---