biosensor
Device based on microelectronic circuits that can directly measure medically significant variables for the purpose of diagnosis or monitoring treatment. One such device measures the blood-sugar level of diabetics using a single drop of blood, and shows the result on a liquid crystal display within a few seconds.
Biosensors typically contain three separate functional parts: the sensor recognizing the target, the detector providing the response or readout, and a transducer to allow communication between these two. Target recognition in biosensors is typically achieved by a biomolecule, such as an antibody, a receptor, an enzyme, or a nucleic acid. This biomolecule will typically be immobilized, that is, firmly linked to a solid support. The readout can be an electronic signal to be shown on an LCD display or via a computer. Optical signals can be converted into electronic ones by suitable detectors. It can also be a colour reaction to be checked by eye or by spectrometry. Ideally, a biosensor should be small, portable, and user-friendly even for untrained users. Home pregnancy-test kits are the most common example of such a biosensor.
| The pregnancy test requires several biomolecules. The target, namely pregnancy-specific hormones in the urine, is first bound by immobilized antibodies located within the readout window. A second antibody, carrying an enzyme that will produce the colour reaction, then binds to the immobilized antibody-hormone complex. |
