Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Part V
Applications in Detection
and Monitoring
In this section, the focus is on applications of smart biosensors in environmental and med-
ical applications. In Chapter 18, Tao Geng and Professor Arun Bhunia describe the devel-
opment of optical biosensors for the monitoring of foodborne pathogens. Conventional
bacterial testing methods are very time-consuming and require several days. The
proposed techniques provide “real-time” and user-friendly approach. In Chapter 19,
Professor Omowunmi Sadik and colleagues discuss the challenges and opportunities in
designing multiarray biosensors for monitoring of toxins and bacterial pathogens.
Examples of biosensor devices being developed for monitoring chemical toxicants and
bacterial pathogens are presented with special emphasis on their use for toxicity screen-
ing. In Chapter 20, Professor Anthony Turner and his colleagues have described
approaches to allergy detection using apta-sensors.
Chapters 21 and 22 by Professor Wilkins and his colleagues focus on biosensors for the
detection of viruses. Viral diseases are the primary cause of serious disorders that do not
require hospitalization among people who reside in developed countries, according to
epidemiologic studies. Among infants and children, they exact a heavy toll in mortality
and permanent disability. Emerging viral diseases, such as those brought about by HIV,
Ebola virus, and Hantavirus, appear regularly. In addition, while antibiotics effectively
combat most bacterial-based infections, viral infections are not so readily controlled; in
comparison, they pose a greater threat to people's health. In Chapter 23, some thoughts of
the coeditors of this topic on future perspectives and directions of smart biosensor
technologies are presented.
