Abstract
One of the fascinations of biosensors is that they are intrinsically multidisciplinary devices. The force of this statement is made obvious by inspecting the generalised biosensor shown in figure 1. Typically, a biosensor comprises an outer membrane which may be required to provide chemical, mechanical or storage stability or may be a functional component of the recognition element. Beneath this membrane is the detection element. Usually, the detection of an analyte relies upon the specific recognition of a ligand by a biological receptor such as an enzyme or antibody. However, as will be described, certain small synthetic molecules also have suitable selective binding properties. The recognition layer is separated from the signal processing components by a chemical transducer that is sensitive to the recognition event; there are often important small-molecule components at this stage whose task is to couple the specific response to the recognition of the analyte to the signal processing system. Although chemistry contributes greatly to the manufacture_ of microelectronic components, this chapter is concerned with the ways in which organic, inorganic and physical chemistry can contribute to the devising and construction of biosensors. Examples of well established methodologies will be given to indicate ways in which chemistry that is currently exploratory may become valuable in biosensors. More general articles emphasising the biological aspects of sensors have been published (Gronow et al., 1985; North, 1985).
A generalised biosensor.
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© 1988 Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde
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Suckling, C.J. (1988). The Contribution of Chemical Science to the Development of Biosensors. In: Paul, J.P., McCruden, A.B., Schuetz, P.W. (eds) The Influence of New Technology on Medical Practice. Keynes Seminars. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-09609-1_38
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-09609-1_38
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