Many biological cells use a mixture of electrical and chemical signals for communication and a lot can be learned about how assemblies of cells (like our body) operate if these signals are sensed on a micro and nanoscale. Silicon integrated circuit technology provides an excellent platform upon which to build these sensor technologies. Circuits can be designed and prototyped quickly and it is possible to take advantage of a wide range of complex circuit functions to improve the overall performance of the sensor. Using this technology it is possible to build arrays of sensors, similar to digital imaging chips. These sensors can be used in a variety of chemical and biological applications. Presently we are working on single chip sensor instruments; chemical sensing arrays for cell-based assay and microelectrode arrays for mapping electrical signals. Data & SEMs: Dr. Mark J Milgrew, Electronics Design Centre, Glasgow University. © 2007 M. Robertson/Nanovisions

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