biotechnology Biosensors: Using measurement
biological
material
for
What is a biosensor? Definition of biosensor of IUPAC* is: ‘A self-contained, integrated device which is capable of providing spesific quantitive or semiquantitive analytical information using a biological recognition element which is in direct spatial contact with a transducer element.’ If we want to make it simpler with our own words, biosensors recognizes biological signals by biomolecules. It uses biomimetic** methods for working. Working principle is generally like this: Analite molecules interact with bioreceptor. During interaction, some reaction occurs and this reaction creates signals. This signal is recognized by transducer, and they become electronic signals. We can read results as electronic data. If we want to explain it more detailed: Reaction · reaction occurs by Processor Monitor Amplifier biocatalysis, Bio-receptor Transducer · a bioreceptor recognizes signal, · transducer turns it into electronic signal, · this signal amplified by amplifier, · data processed, and displayed in electronic media. Biosensors are used to determine bio-composition, structure and function. Some different biological recognition elements are used depending on type of biosensor. Some of them are: DNA, enzymes, proteins, antibodies, organels, cells, animal or plant tissues, microorganizms, sugar, vitamins... There are also some analytes which are used for biosensors: enzymes, antibodes, receptors, binding proteins, nucleic acids... * IUPAC: International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry **Biomimetic: Designing products by imitating nature.
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