Biosensors: Essentials

A design-centred introduction that follows the sensing chain from the recognition element to the readout. It opens with the history and classification of biosensors, then works through the biological components used in assemblies - enzymes, antibodies, peptide receptors, nucleic acids and whole cells - and the physical, covalent and cross-linking immobilization methods that hold them in place. Signal transduction is covered across electrochemical, optical, surface plasmon resonance, mass-sensitive, calorimetric and MEMS devices. The closing chapter examines four applications in detail: glucose meters, pesticide and chemical-warfare-agent detection, immunosensors for haptens, DNA chips and Microtox-related toxicity bioassays. Lecture Notes in Chemistry volume 84.