BIOSENSORS,

TRANSDUCERS AND
AMPLIFIERS
Biosensors
▶ Biosensors are analytical devices that convert a biological response
into an electrical signal.
▶ Any device that has specific biochemical reaction to detect
chemical compounds in biological sample is biosensor
--Professor Leland C Clark Jnr (Father of biosensor)
▶ Biosensors include a combination of biological detecting elements
like sensor system and a transducer. Compared to other diagnostic
devices these sensors are advanced in the conditions of sensitivity
and selectivity.
▶ Biological elements
▶ Biological element is used to bind the target molecule of analyte.
▶ They are very specific. i.e. there are specific elements for detection of specific analytes.
▶ Some common biological elements are
▶ Enzymes
▶ Antibodies
▶ DNA or RNA
▶ Microbial cell
Transducer
▶ Transducer is device that converts one physical quantity into another
physical quantity.
▶ In biosensors, transducer acts as an interface, measuring the physical
change that occurs with the reaction at the bioreceptors then
transforming that energy into measurable electrical output
▶ Example of transducers
▶ Pressure Transducers
▶ Gravimetric/Piezoelectric biotransducers
▶ Pyroelectric biotransducers
▶ Ultrasound Transducers
Amplifiers
▶ Amplifiers are used to amplify weak output signal of
transducer to higher power signal, so that signal can be
processed further for accurate measurement.

▶ Some biosensor units also contain microprocessor and ADC

circuits which are used for storage and processing of data
Working principle

▶ Biosensors are operated based on the principle of signal

transduction. These components include a bio-recognition
element, a bio-transducer and an electronic system
composed of a display, processor and amplifier.
▶ Analyte defuses from solution to surface of biosensor.
▶ Analyte reacts specifically & efficiently with the biological
component of the biosensor.
▶ This reaction changes the physiochemical properties of the
transducer surface.
▶ This change is converted into electrical signal, which is
detected.
▶ Types of biosensors
▶ Based on bioreceptors
▶ DNA biosensors

▶ Affinity biosensor

Enzyme based biosensors

▶ Piezoelectric
Amperometric
▶ Based on transducers
Optical biosensors Potentiometric biosensors
 Glucose biosensor

▶ Used to monitor glucose level in blood

▶ It uses enzyme glucose oxidase and electrochemical
reaction to generate electrons according to glucose
level
▶ Based on electrochemical biosensor
▶ Mostly amperometric biosensor is preferred
▶ Current generated is converted into voltage and then it
is processed in dsp or processor unit to give actual
reading.
APPLICATIONS