Biosensors and Related Bioanalytical Tools

Biosensors and related bioanalytical tools are, nowadays, full-accepted systems for many applications in modern analytical chemistry. A biosensor is defined by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry as a self-contained integrated device that is capable of providing specific quantitative or semiquantitative analytical information using a biological recognition element (biochemical receptor), which is retained in direct spatial contact with a transduction element. A biosensor should be clearly distinguished from a bioanalytical system, which requires additional processing steps. The peculiar characteristics of biosensors allow them to complement current screening and monitoring methods, especially when continuous, real-time, in situ analysis is required. In this chapter, the basic rules for the development of biosensors are explained. The different bioreceptors are briefly described as well as the different transduction techniques. The critical evaluation of advantages and drawbacks of these analytical tools are included. New trends in the design of biosensors are also discussed.