| Accurate measurement of biologically related substances has been a major goal in analytical sciences throughout the twentieth century. Bioanalytical problems are among the most challenging due to the variety of substances in biological samples, the complex molecular structures and time-dependent concentrations. Biosensors, as discrete analytical devices, are capable to measure analytes selectively, often in a natural matrix, without prior separation of multicomponent samples, often producing quantitative data within minutes. In recent years, micro- and nanofabrication techniques, the fast growing biochemical knowledge, genetic engineering and the finding and preparation of new materials enabled the development of novel biosensors, multianalyte biosensors, and microfabricated integrated biosensing systems. This short course will provide the participants with an understanding of the scientific and engineering principles of biosensors and bioanalytical techniques. Selected topics ranging from simple biosensors to micro/nanofabricated micro Total Analysis Systems will be addressed. Catalytic and affinity biorecognition elements, such as enzymes, antibodies, and nucleic acids will be discussed. In case of possible physicochemical transducers those based on electrochemical and optical principle will be discussed in greater detail since they are used most frequently in biosensors. A few specific biosensor examples will be presented, ranging from enzyme-based biosensors (such as glucose sensors) to simple nucleic acid biosensors (pathogen analysis in food and in clinical diagnostics) and complex DNA microarray sensors (genomics). These find their application typically in food safety and environmental analysis, biological warfare agent detection, as well as in clinical diagnostics. |
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