Biosensor

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

Principle of Electrochemical Biosensors

1. Diffusion of analyte 2. Reaction with bioelement 3. Change in physicochemical properties 4. Change in optical/electronic properties 5. Measurement, amplified and display

Working principle of biosensor

The biosensor convert a chemical information flow, into an electrical information flow, which involves the following steps:1.The analyte diffuses from the solution to the surface of the biosensor. 2.The analyte react specifically & efficiently with the biological component of the biosensor. 3.This reaction change the physicochemical properties of the transducer surface. 4.This leads to a change in the optical/electronic properties of the transducer surface. 5.The change in optical/electronic properties is measured/ converted into electrical signal, which is amplified, processed and displayed.

Basic Characteristics of a Biosensor

1. Linearity: Linearity of the sensor should be high for the detection of high substrate concentration. 2. Sensitivity: Value of the electrode response per substrate concentration. 3. Selectivity: Chemicals interference must be minimised for obtaining the correct result. 4. Response time: Time necessary for having 95% of the response.

Analyte Response

Analysis Signal

Detection

Sample handling/ preparation

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

Often the detector is immobilized on a solid support/sensor

Avoiding false signals

Specific recognition False specific recognition?

Non specific signal

Improving performance
Secondary signal amplifier

Highly specific detection

Magnectic bead, fluorecent dye, enzyme, etc

Inert background

vv v

Regeneration or single use?

Break binding

Low and high pH buffers pH~1 and pH~13

vv v

Example of biosensors
Infectous disease biosensors

Pregnancy test Detects the hCG protein in urine.

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.

Sensing Techniques for Biosensors

Fluorescence DNA Microarray SPR (Surface plasmon resonance) Impedance SPM (Scanning probe microscopy, AFM) QCM (Quartz crystal microbalance) Electrochemical

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.

Types of biosensor, and the biological materials used in their construction

S.No. Type of biosensor 1 Calorimetric/ thermometric Potentiometric Amperometric Conductimetric Optical Piezoelectric Type of change detected Temperature Biological component Enzyme Example/ Remarks Can detect temp. difference of 0.00010 C Urea detection Glucose biosensor Urea detection Luciferase for bacteria detection Cocaine detection

2 3 4 5 6

Consumption of a gas Redox reaction Electrical conductivity Fluorescence/ absorbance Resonant frequency

Enzyme Enzyme Enzyme Enzyme, Ab, DNA/RNA Antibodies

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