Abstract

In recent time, several novel biosensors such as enzyme based, immunosensors, tissue-based, DNA biosensors, piezoelectric, and thermal biosensors have been explored with high sensitivity by many research groups. These biosensors exhibit many essential benefits, including operational simplicity, remarkable sensitivity, low-cost instrumentation, the potential of automation, inherent miniaturization. They have offered elegant paths for the detection of even trace amounts of analytical agents of biological significance existing from macromolecules (e.g., disease biomarkers and antigens) and small molecules (e.g., natural toxins and haptens) to cells, viruses, and bacteria. Many electrochemical techniques viz., amperometry and voltammetry, photoelectrochemistry, electrochemiluminescence, impedance, piezoelectricity, potentiometry, alternating current electrohydrodynamics, and field-effect transistor have been utilized in the development of immunoassays to attain high sensitivity for electrochemical signal transduction. Recent developments in biological methods and instrumentation after using fluorescence tag to various nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, etc. have improved the sensitivity of biosensors. Utilization of nucleotides/aptamers, affibodies, molecule imprinted polymers, and peptide arrays offer great tools to prepare advanced biosensors. Merging of nanotechnology with biosensor systems enhanced the diagnostic capability. This review gives an outline of the advances in biosensors technology relating biomedical sciences.

Keywords: Biosensors; Nanomaterials; Electrochemical immunosensor; Optical biosensors; Surface plasmon resonance; Glucose biosensors; Bioreceptors