ABSTRACT

Microbiological analysis is typically performed in a centralized diagnostic laboratory where cultures or assays are carefully handled by highly trained personnel. In contrast, field biosensors and point-of-care diagnostic tools need to be low cost, label-free and simple to use. This chapter introduces porous silicon as a novel structured material which can be made by electrochemical etching silicon wafers to form refractive index detectors or band gap photonic materials. The application of enzyme assays as a secondary monitor of sensor performance is presented, and the beneficial properties of mesoporous silicon are discussed. The longevity of porous silicon structures under various environmentally conditions is also explored. This novel structured material can be used to develop innovative technologies such as “smart bandages” and “smart dust.”