An overview of biomolecules, immobilization methods and support materials of biosensors

Abstract

Purpose Traditional analytical methods are often time-consuming and require bulky instruments, making their widespread implementation challenging. This paper aims to represent the principal concepts of biosensors as an introduction of this technology to readers and offers a comprehensive understanding of its functions. Design/methodology/approach The authors provide descriptions of the components, characteristics and advantages of biosensors along with the immobilization methods, followed by a brief discussion. Findings A biosensor is an analytical device comprising a specific biomolecule and a transducer in conjunction with an output system. The biomolecule recognizes a specific target which leads to a change in physicochemical properties of a system. This biorecognition phenomenon is later converted into a detectable signal by the transducer. Biosensors can essentially serve as rapid and cost-effective devices with excellent sensitivity and specificity for critical purposes in innumerable fields, ranging from scientific research to day-to-day applications. Originality/value Here, the authors explain and discuss the approaches and challenges with the aim of leading to an interest in biosensor development and improving their applications.

Novel Bionanocompounds: Outer Membrane Protein A and Laccase Co-Immobilized on Magnetite Nanoparticles for Produced Water Treatment

“…NPs have been implemented for applications in a number industries including pharma [ 2 ], nutraceutical [ 3 ], food [ 4 ], agro-industrial [ 5 ], and cosmetics [ 6 ]. Moreover, they have been successfully explored as supports for the immobilization of various molecules of biological origin with the purpose of increasing their functionality and incorporating additional properties such as responsiveness to external stimuli; enhanced thermal, conformational, and long-term stability; and ease of transport and manipulation [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. A group of molecules that has been successfully immobilized on NPs is proteins and peptides.…”

“…This significant improvement ultimately leads to higher operation efficiencies and yields [ 11 ]. Moreover, bionanocompounds based on proteins and peptides immobilized on NPs have enabled a large body of applications in industrial wastewater treatment [ 9 , 12 , 13 ].…”

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Biomolecules and Whole Cells

“…The detection of small biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids, enzymes, and hormones) is based on their biological and physiological functions: transmitting genetic information, regulating biological activity, and catalyzing reactions at the cellular level [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. However, developing biomolecule sensing technology remains a challenge [ 53 , 54 ]. Standard biomolecular techniques for analyzing biomolecules have been developed, such as gel electrophoresis, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [ 55 ].…”

Assessing Surface Coverage of Aminophenyl Bonding Sites on Diazotised Glassy Carbon Electrodes for Optimised Electrochemical Biosensor Performance

“…There are several studies that highlight the need for rapid, sensitive techniques and emphasise that biosensor performance is highly dependent on substrate material [ 1 , 2 ]. Carbon-based electrochemical sensor platforms remain a high priority in the biosensor market owing to their low-cost, high sensitivity and simple surface chemistry.…”