Biosensors Types

Biosensors are essential tools in Biomedical Engineering II, enabling the detection of biological substances through various methods. They range from electrochemical and optical to thermal and magnetic types, each offering unique advantages for real-time monitoring and analysis in healthcare and research.

1. Electrochemical biosensors

   • Utilize electrochemical reactions to detect biological substances.
   • Commonly used for glucose monitoring in diabetes management.
   • Offer high sensitivity and specificity for target analytes.
   • Can be miniaturized for portable applications.
   • Often employ enzymes or antibodies as biorecognition elements.

2. Optical biosensors

   • Rely on light interaction with biological samples to detect analytes.
   • Include techniques such as surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence.
   • Provide real-time monitoring and high-throughput capabilities.
   • Can detect changes in refractive index or absorbance.
   • Useful in applications like pathogen detection and biomolecular interactions.

3. Piezoelectric biosensors

   • Measure changes in mass or mechanical stress using piezoelectric materials.
   • Highly sensitive to small mass changes, making them ideal for biomolecule detection.
   • Often used in applications like DNA hybridization and protein detection.
   • Can operate in real-time and under various environmental conditions.
   • Typically require a functionalized surface for specific binding.

4. Thermal biosensors

   • Detect changes in temperature associated with biochemical reactions.
   • Can measure heat produced or consumed during enzymatic reactions.
   • Useful for studying metabolic processes and cellular activity.
   • Offer high sensitivity and can be integrated into microfluidic systems.
   • Often used in applications like drug discovery and environmental monitoring.

5. Magnetic biosensors

   • Utilize magnetic nanoparticles to detect biological interactions.
   • Can measure changes in magnetic properties in response to target analytes.
   • Offer high sensitivity and the ability to detect low concentrations.
   • Useful in applications like cancer biomarker detection and pathogen identification.
   • Can be combined with other sensing techniques for enhanced performance.

6. Acoustic biosensors

   • Use sound waves to detect changes in mass or mechanical properties of a sample.
   • Include surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) sensors.
   • Highly sensitive to small changes, making them suitable for biomolecular detection.
   • Can operate in real-time and under various conditions.
   • Often used in applications like pathogen detection and environmental monitoring.

7. Amperometric biosensors

   • Measure current changes resulting from electrochemical reactions at an electrode.
   • Commonly used for detecting glucose, lactate, and other metabolites.
   • Offer high sensitivity and fast response times.
   • Can be integrated into wearable devices for continuous monitoring.
   • Often utilize enzymes or redox mediators for specific detection.

8. Potentiometric biosensors

   • Measure voltage changes in response to ion concentration variations.
   • Commonly used for pH measurement and ion-selective electrodes.
   • Provide high specificity and can be used in various biological samples.
   • Useful in applications like blood gas analysis and environmental monitoring.
   • Often require calibration for accurate measurements.

9. Conductometric biosensors

   • Measure changes in electrical conductivity due to biochemical interactions.
   • Useful for detecting ions, proteins, and other biomolecules.
   • Can provide real-time monitoring and are often low-cost.
   • Sensitive to changes in the ionic environment of the sample.
   • Commonly used in food safety and environmental applications.

10. Fluorescence-based biosensors

    • Utilize fluorescent labels to detect and quantify biological molecules.
    • Offer high sensitivity and the ability to perform multiplex assays.
    • Commonly used in applications like DNA sequencing and protein interactions.
    • Can provide real-time monitoring and spatial resolution.
    • Often employ techniques like FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) for enhanced detection.