What are biosensors? Devices that analyze biological samples to better understand structure and function and for diagnostics Uses for biosensors Molecule analysis (DNA and proteins) Food safety Diagnostics Medical monitoring Detection of biological weapons
Dr. Leland Clark Jr “ Father of the biosensor ” History of Biosensors First described in 1962 by Dr. Leland Clark 1969, a sensor was invented to detect urea
COMPONENTS OF BIOSENSOR; 4 A biosensor consists of two components : Bioreceptor and Transducer . The bioreceptor is a biomolecule that recognizes the target analyte The transducer converts the recognition event into a measurable signal.
Schematic illustration of a Biosensor 6 signal prossing monitor amplification transducer bioreceptor
Biosensors Advantages Rapid detection Small volumes of samples needed Can be used by the patient (blood glucose monitor) Disadvantages Cost May require expertise to use Sample collection can be painful
Piezo-Electric Biosensors Also called acoustic wave biosensor. . Their surface is coated with antibodies which binds to complimentary antigen present in sample solution .
Optical Biosensors Colorimetric for color Measure change in light adsorption Photometric for light intensity Photon output for a luminescent or fluorescent process can be detected with photomultiplier tubes or photodiode systems.
AMPERIOMETRIC Biosensors These electrodes functions by the production of a current when potential is applied between two electrodes ,the magnitude of current is being propotional to substrate concenteration
Potentiometric Biosensor These biosensors convert biological reactions into electric signals
Common biosensors Blood glucose monitors Heart and blood pressure monitors Pacemakers HIV and pregnancy tests
Blood glucose monitors Used by diabetics to measure blood glucose concentration Helps patients determine their insulin dose
Pregnancy test Detects the hCG protein in urine. Glucose monitoring device (for diabetes patients) Monitors the glucose level in the blood.