Transducers in Biosensors

Biosensors are analytical tools comprising of a substrate or an analyte and a specific interface in close proximity or incorporated with a transducer to permit the quantitative development of some complex biochemical parameters. Thus, both the substrate/analyte and transducers are significant parts of these insightful devices which consist of an immobilized biorecognition component (or bioreceptor) like proteins (e.g., cell receptors, catalysts, and antibodies), nucleic acids, microorganisms, or even entire tissues that interact with particular types of analyte. The signals produced due to the reactions between a biorecognition component and its specific target analyte/s are converted into a detectable electrical or other signals by transducers through a process known as signalization. The various signals produced (electrical or optical, etc.) are usually proportionate to the quantity of analyte–bioreceptor interactions whose intensity may be directly or inversely proportional to the concentration of analyte. This chapter covers the various sorts of transducers which are utilized in various biosensors, their characteristics, a couple of important applications also as new trends of transducers in biosensors.