An efficient method for the microfabrication of electronic devices which
have been adapted for the analyses of biologically significant analyte
species is described. The techniques of the present invention allow for
close control over the dimensional features of the various components and
layers established on a suitable substrate. Such control extends to those
parts of the devices which incorporate the biological components which
enable these devices to function as biological sensors. The materials and
methods disclosed herein thus provide an effective means for the mass
production of uniform wholly microfabricated biosensors. Various
embodiments of the devices themselves are described herein which are
especially suited for real time analyses of biological samples in a
clinical setting. In particular, the present invention describes assays
which can be performed using certain ligand/ligand receptor-based
biosensor embodiments. The present invention also discloses a novel
method for the electrochemical detection of particular analyte species of
biological and physiological significance using a substrate/label signal
generating pair which produces a change in the concentration of
electroactive species selected from the group consisting of dioxygen and
hydrogen peroxide.