Method for detecting chemical or biological species and electrode arrangement therefor

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a process for detecting one or more chemical or biological species, which can either react in a redox reaction or directly or indirectly generate a molecule, which can react in a redox reaction, wherein current generated by said redox reaction is detected at at least one electrode, comprising the following steps: 1. Positioning a quantity of the species or molecule, which quantity varies over time, on, at or in the vicinity of the at least one electrode within a period t-t, 2. switching the at least one electrode back and forth multiple times during the period t-tbetween two different potentials, such that relative to a reference electrode, it assumes potentials that are in the range of the oxidation potential of said species or of said molecule or above it or in the range of the reduction potential of said species or said molecule or under it, as a result of which said species/said molecule is alternatingly reduced and oxidized, and 3. detecting the current generated over the period t-tby repeated reduction and oxidation of the species/molecule in the at least one electrode. In addition, the present invention provides an electrode array for carrying out this process, comprising at least one measuring position and at least one measuring electrode per measuring position as well as a reference electrode, wherein the electrode array is designed such that the measuring electrode can be switched alternatingly as a cathode and as an anode relative to the reference electrode.