Biosensors: An overview

Biotechnology and biomedicine require improved measurement devices for purposes of analysis, monitoring, and control, with specific applications in fermentation, antibody production, drug testing, and patient monitoring. Electrochemical biosensors provide a possible means of meeting such needs provided the capabilities of such sensors can be extended to a wider range of biomolecules and more complex matrices. Several recent initiatives suggest that some new approaches to the development of potentiometric and amperometric biosensors may be effective for this purpose. Such initiatives for the development of novel biosensors require a synthesis of biological and analytical concepts. Possible strategies involve the use of chemoreceptor structures, immunoagents, and cellular materials from plant or animal sources.