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          Biosensors are a small yet important part of a bigger field called synthetic biology, which is...

 

  • the design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not already exist in the natural world

                            and.....

  • the re-design and fabrication of existing biological systems.

 

Learn more about the what synthethic is by viewing this video on the right

OVERVIEW

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DEFINTION OF A BIOSENSOR

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           When the bioreceptors recognize the target analyte, the transducer converts the biological response into a electrical signal. Biosensors are also commonly known as immunosensors, optrodes, chemical canaries, resonant mirrors, glucometers, biochips, and biocomputers. Learn about biosensors in-depth below!

Biosensors, short for biological sensors, are devices composed of a biological recognition element and a transducer element that can detect and measure quantitative information on analytes.

          As shown above, there are six overall steps that happen while dealing with biosensors and only two of these components actually make up the biosensor itself. However, all of the parts illustrated above are crucial for the biosensor's function as well as the proper data interpretation and analysis. Click on the words above or titles below to get educated on each vital component!

 

 

                                

                                  is the specific molecule that is detected by the biosensor.

 

                                 

                                        is the biological particle that binds with the target analyte and

                                        undergoes a conformational change.

 

                                        can convert the bioreceptor response from the analyte into a electric,

                                        measurable signal.

 

                                        magnifies the signal manifold from the transducer to make it more noticable and

                                        easier to analyze and interpret.

 

                                        filters the intensified signal and obtains the proper signal by

                                        cancelling noise.

 

                                        visually represents the data to the ones who analyze and use the

                                        information to find solutions to problems.

 

 

                   Below is a summary of all of various components of a biosensor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPONENTS OF A BIOSENSOR

TYPES OF BIOSENSORS

          Biosensors get their names by the type of transducer they possess and the type of bioreceptor they employ. Because of this, there are many possibilities as to what a biosensor can be and what it can sense! To investigate types of transducers and bioreceptors, click the buttons on the right

 

You can refer to the picture below to recieve a general outline to the various types of biosensors. Although many are listed, please keep in mind that there are more out there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOSENSORS

All biosensors have the following features that distinguish them from other devices:

 

  1. Selectivity - Biosensors must be able to detect the correct analyte in a sample full of pollutants, so chemical interference should be low and the selectivity high.

  2. Precision - This is necessary for accurate quantitative measurements, and in order to maintain precision, biosensors should be stable.

  3. Linearity - Biosensors must have linear relationship between the signal and analyte concentration, so they must have high output signal for a high substrate concentration.

  4. Response Time - Should have quick, accurate response time, which is the time required to have at least 95% of the response determined.

  5. Sensitivity - Biosensors should have high sensitivity, which is defined as the value of electrode response per substrate concentration.

  6. Working Range - Biosensors must operate to detect analytes in all its concentrations possible; in other words, the working range should parallel the range of analyte concentrations.

  7. Regeneration Time - This is time necessary for biosensors to return to "normal" after having been used to analyze a sample.

  8. Number of Cycles - Biosensors vary in the number of times that they can be used, since different biological components deteriorate at their perspective times. Some are single use, while others can retain their properties for longer.

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BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF BIOSENSORS

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

  • Highly specifc by detecting one analyte in thousands

  • Extremely fast response time

  • Continuous measurement

  • Small sample size with minimal preparation required

  • Portable

  • Easy-to-use

  • Cheaper than current technologies

 

  • Bioreceptors can be tampered with easily, resulting in false data

  • Cannot be sterilized with heat because of denaturation

  • Stability dependent on surroundings (pH, temp, and ions)

  • Inadequate training can result in incompetency and sample handling errors

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