Bio Sensors
Bio Sensors
Definition:A biosensor is a self-contained integrated device that is capable of providing specific quantitative or semi-quantitative analytical information using a biological recognition element which is in direct spatial contact with a transduction element (IUPAC, 1996). Any device that uses specific biochemical reactions to detect chemical compounds in biological samples. A sensor that integrates a biological element with a physiochemical transducer to produce an electronic signal proportional to a single analyte which is then conveyed to a detector.
Components of a Biosensor
1. Diffusion of analyte 2. Reaction with bioelement 3. Change in physicochemical properties 4. Change in optical/electronic properties 5. Measurement, amplified and display
Analyte Response
Analysis Signal
Detection
1. The Analyte (What do you want to detect ?) Analyte molecule: Protein, peptide, toxin, antigen, vitamin, sugar, metal ion, etc. 2. Sample handling (How to deliver the analyte to the sensitive region?) (Micro) fluidics: Concentration increase/decrease, Filtration/selection 3. Detection/Recognition (How do you specifically recognize the analyte?) 4. Signal (How do you know there was a detection ?)
Detection/Recognition
Fab How do you specifically recognize the analyte?
Active site
Membrane receptors
Competitive binding
Fc
Antibody
Enzyme
Cell
Polymer/Hydrogel
Signal
How do you know there was a detection? Specific recognition? Common signaling principles Optical Electrical Electromechanical Thermal Magnetic Pressure
Improving performance
Secondary signal amplifier
vv v
vv v
Example of biosensors
Infectous disease biosensors
Glucose monitoring device (for diabetes patients) Monitors the glucose level in the blood.
Features of biosensor
A successful biosensor must have at least some of the following features:Highly specific for analyte. Independent of factors like stirring, pH, temperature, etc. Linear response, tiny and biocompatible. Cheap, easy to use & durable/repeated use. Cost is lower than that of conventional tests. Require small sample volume. Rapid, accurate, stable & sterilizable.
Types of Biosensors
1. Calorimetric Biosensor
2. Potentiometric Biosensor 3. Electrochemical Biosensor 4. Amperometric Biosensor 5. Optical Biosensor 6. Piezo-electric Biosensor
Calorimetric Biosensors
If the enzyme catalyzed reaction is exothermic, two thermistors may be used to measure the difference in resistance between reactant and product and, hence, the analyte concentration.
Potentiometric Biosensor
For voltage: Change in distribution of charge is detected using ion-selective electrodes, such as pH-meters.
Electrochemical Biosensors
For applied current: Movement of e- in redox reactions detected when a potential is applied between two electrodes.
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.
Piezo-Electric Biosensors
Piezo-electric devices use gold to detect the specific angle at which electron waves are emitted when the substance is exposed to laser light or crystals, such as quartz, which vibrate under the influence of an electric field. The change in frequency is proportional to the mass of absorbed material.
2 3 4 5 6
Consumption of a gas Redox reaction Electrical conductivity Fluorescence/ absorbance Resonant frequency
Whole cell
Based on 1, 2, 3 biosensor
Live/ dead microbial Nicotinic acid cells detection using Lact. arabinosus
Applications of Biosensor
Food Analysis Study of biomolecules and their interaction Drug Development Crime detection Medical diagnosis (both clinical and laboratory use) Environmental field monitoring Quality control Industrial Process Control Detection systems for biological warfare agents Manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and replacement organs
Immunosensors have been developed to detect the presence of commonly used pesticides, such as atrazine or 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in water. Petroleum production, transport, refinery and distribution is a process along which there are possibilities for release of petroleum compounds in the environment. Measurement of biological oxygen demand (BOD). Oxygen sensing Explosives Nerve gas Harmful gases: Methane, CO, CO2 Heavy metals