Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Part I
Overview and Fundamentals
This section provides some of the latest directions in smart biosensor development which
include single molecule detection, nanowires, and intelligence and pattern recognition.
The first chapter by Professor Kenneth A. Marx from the Centre for Intelligent
Biomaterials (CIB), University of Massachusetts Lowell, represents a broad overview of
different approaches in biosensor design but with a focus on examples of actual projects
being carried out or completed at CIB. The fundamental principles of biosensors are first
considered. This is followed by a discussion on immobilization methods and properties of
“intelligent” materials. Specific biosensor designs including optical biosensors, electro-
chemical, piezoelectric, and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensors are presented.
In particular, photodynamic proteins such as phycobiliproteins, bacteriorhodopsin, and
chemi-luminescent probes are discussed. The author then presents applications related to
organo-pesticide detection, metal ion detection, and DNA interactions. Chapter 1 also
presents some work on “Smart bandages” and use of DNA in smart structures. Finally,
concepts of machine learning and nanobiosensors are also presented. Biosensors for single
molecule detection represent the latest generation of such platforms being developed.
Professor Ulli Krull and others discuss the development of such platforms in Chapter 2.
These biosensors can provide information not previously accessible and as well can lead
to new understanding in biological functions such as DNA interactions and physiological
processes. Both the instrumentation and procedures for single molecule detection by opti-
cal methods, and applications of such methods in bioanalytical chemistry and biosensor
development are presented.
In Chapter 3, Professor Brian M. Cullum provides a critical review of optical based
nanosensors and biochips, and discusses significant advancements in nanoscale biosensor
design and development. The chapter reviews the evolution of biochip technology and
nanosensors from their beginning to the present. The latter includes biosensors capable of
probing subcellular compartments of individual cells. The application of such systems to
biological measurements is presented and as well as future directions in nanosensing are
considered. In Chapter 4, Professor Ashok Mulchandani and others present biosensors
based on conducting polymers nanowires (CP NWs). The authors discuss and present
