8. Biosensor Technology: Structure, Design, and Fabrication

This chapter delves into the structure, design, and fabrication of biosensors, highlighting their transformative impact on healthcare. It explores the components of a typical biosensor, including the bioreceptor, transducer, analyte, and display unit, and explains how these devices enable non-invasive detection and real-time monitoring of medical conditions. The text discusses the evolution of biosensors, with a focus on glucose biosensors and their applications in diabetes management. It also examines the use of biosensors in detecting viruses such as influenza, SARS, COVID-19, Hendra, and Nipah, as well as their role in diagnosing cardiac diseases, cancer, and other conditions. The chapter covers various transducer principles, including electrochemical, optical, and mass-based biosensors, and discusses the biological recognition elements used in biosensors, such as enzymes, aptamers, antibodies, nucleic acids, cells and tissues, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Additionally, the text explores the applications of biosensors in drug delivery, security, food safety, health monitoring, agriculture, and medical diagnosis. It also highlights the role of nanotechnology in enhancing biosensor performance and the potential of artificial intelligence in processing large sensing data sets. The chapter concludes by discussing the future prospects of biosensor technology and its potential to revolutionize healthcare and other industries.