Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
for glucose detection in blood for DM management. These biosensors are based on electro-
chemical technology. The author feels that the inherent small size and simple construction
is ideally suited for POC testing. The author notes that electrochemical biosensors have also
been developed to detect some key metabolites, proteins, and nucleic acids. However, the pri-
marily small market for the detection of these types of analytes restricts commercialization of
protein and nucleic acid biosensors. They have met with limited success. The authors detail
the electrochemical detection of metabolites, proteins, and DNA by biosensors particularly in
its application to a home-use setting. The author points out that lab-on-a-chip microdevices
as well as nanosensors (silicon and nanotube effect biosensors) offer the potential for
the construction of next generation biosensors, which should exhibit better performance
characteristics. It is expected that future improvements with respect to the different biosensor
aspects (such as transducers, biorecognition molecules (receptors on the biosensor surface),
immobilization and signal transduction) should pave the way for the development of the
next-generation of biosensors for the detection of different types of analytes (especially for
biomarker detection for certain diseases besides glucose level monitoring in blood for DM
management). These biosensors should be available at reasonable prices as OTC biosensors
in pharmacies in the not too distant future.
CleanFutures
(
2010
)
indicates that they have managed to secure funding to complete testing of
its biosensor technology for detecting contaminants in water, wine, and food. The technology
was developed at Monash University, Victoria, Australia, and started its commercialization
process with assistance from the Victoria State Government body, Nanotechnology, Victoria.
The author states that Bio Innovation SA recognized the potential for biosensor development
and provided funding through its business development initiative (BDI). This funding will
permit CleanFutures to design and manufacture the industrial prototypes of its biosensor as
well as conduct customer trials. Their AquaSens biosensor is based on a rapid, highly sensitive
sensor probe that detects nitrates and phosphates in water, and sulfites in wine and food.
CleanFutures
(
2010
)
points out that sulfite in wine is a major problem for the industry since it
is difficult to detect. Also, it is estimated that 1 percent of the population is sulfite-resistant,
creating the need for a suitable detection device. Besides, South Australia is a leader in wine
production, and so the AquaSens biosensor is a natural fit.
1.3 Chapter Contents
In the following paragraphs we describe the chapter contents very briefly. Chapter 1 is
introduction. Chapter 2 describes the modeling and theory for the binding and dissociation
of the different analytes on biosensor surfaces. The fractal dimension provides a quantitative
measure of the degree of heterogeneity on the biosensor surface. Chapter 3 describes the
