Biosensors & Bioimaging
Biosensing and bioimaging enable the study of biological and pathological processes in living systems at the molecular level. A biosensor is a device designed to detect the presence or concentration of a biological analyte, structure, or microorganism. Biosensors are widely used in bioelectronics, food and environmental monitoring, and biomedical applications to detect pathogens, food toxins, and disease biomarkers
Overview
Biosensors
Biosensors have three main components: a recognition component that identifies the analyte and produces a signal, a signal transducer, and a reader to measure and quantify the signal received. Bioreceptors, such as antibodies, nucleotides, enzymes, or proteins, act as recognition molecules that bind or interact with a targeted analyte or biomarker. Signal transducers can function via many different physicochemical properties including electrical, electrochemical, optical, or magnetic outputs.
Bioimaging
Bioimaging is an optical form of biosensing used to create non-invasive, visual representations of biological processes in cells, tissues, and anatomy for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Diagnostic Imaging Modalities
Diagnostic imaging modalities for in vivo applications include X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fMRI, and positron emission tomography (PET). In vitro applications often include super-resolution, two-photon fluorescence excitation microscopy, fluorescence recovery/redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technologies.