the invention pertains to an electrically conductive copolymer of the general formula i : wherein a is a first polymerizable monomer which produces an electrically conductive polymer when polymerized , and represents a polymerized unit of said monomer a in the electrically conductive polymer ; b is a second polymerizable monomer which when copolymerized with monomer a produces an electrically conductive polymer , and represents a polymerized unit of said monomer b in the electrically conductive polymer ; w is an integer greater than or equal to 0 ; x is an integer greater than or equal to 1 ; y is an integer greater than or equal to 0 ; z is an integer greater than or equal to i ; 1 1 , and 1 2 are each independently covalent linkers or spacer arms ; 1 3 is substituent group having a desired chemical functionality ; and bt ′ is selected from the group consisting of biotin and complexes of biotin with a molecule selected from the group consisting of avidin , streptavidin , derivatives of avidin and derivatives of streptavidin , wherein said avidin , streptavidin , derivatives of avidin or derivatives of streptavidin may optionally be substituted , and said biotin , whether in free form or in the form of a complex , is covalently bonded to 1 2 . a process for forming the copolymer of invention , electrodes coated with the copolymer , as well and biochips or biosensors incorporating the copolymer of the invention , are also provided .