Electrochemical formation of ‘synthetic receptors’ based on conducting polymers

Analysis of pharmaceuticals and biologically active materials recently can be performed by biosensors, which can be based on conducting polymers. Therefore, in this Mini Review some achievements in the synthesis and application of conducting polymer—polypyrrole (Ppy), which is often used in the design of sensors and biosensors, are overviewed. Some perspective methods of conducting polymer synthesis are outlined. Significant attention has been paid to electrochemical, chemical and biochemical synthesis of conducting polymers (CPs), which were developed by authors. The applicability of polypyrrole based functional layers in the design of electrochemical biosensors is overviewed. The adaptability of enzyme— glucose oxidase (GOx), which can be applied as (i) biological recognition element— in the design of glucose biosensors, (ii) a biocatalyst—in the synthesis of some above mentioned conducting polymers, is discussed. Part of biocompatibility related aspects of some conducting polymers are also discussed and some insights in the application of polypyrrole-based coatings for implantable sensors are outlined.