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The most common aim of a biosensor is to produce a signal proportional in strength or frequency to the concentration of chemical or biochemical to which the biological element reacts. This volume describes the design, construction, optimization, and application of the biological component, its attachment to the transducer, and interfacing of the sensing element to appropriate electronic circuitry.

Biomolecules and cells are critical components of biosensors and biomaterials, but in order to function in an artificial environment, they must be immobilized in a manner that does not affect their interaction with target analytes. Biosensors demonstrate that we can harness the incredible functions of living molecules and cells for our own purposes and are therefore at the forefront of technology. Moreover the applications of immobilized biomolecules and cells are expected to expand far beyond biosensor applications and indeed are already used for pharmaceutical production and testing. Biomaterials will become increasing common as they are being developed into toxic filters, artificial organs, and even silicon chips. This book provides a selection of methods for the immobilization of biomolecules and cells on a variety of surface with different geometries and chemistries so that they retain their function and guidelines on which method to use. Also included are the analytical techniques to measure the functionality of immobilized biomolecules. All the protocols have been tried and validated by the authors. Immobilized Biomolecules in Analysis: A Practical Approach is an invaluable guide to all researchers in the fields of biosensors and biomaterials. Research in biosensors is carried out in a wide variety of fields including biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, laboratory medicine, environmental and defence research. The protocols are written so that an extensive prior knowledge of biochemistry is not required to use them.

Over the past 20 years, the field of biosensor research have had a significant impact in both laboratory research and the commercial sector. Over that period, biosensors have revolutionised the care and management of diabetes and have had important impacts in several other areas of clinical diagnostics. Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific have all seen the rise of small and medium sized companies seeking technical and application niches in the manufacture or use of biosensors. The current activity in both gene and protein 'biochips' can be seen as the latest set of tools that allow users who are not analytical science practitioners to make technically complex and reliable measurements with the minimum of intervention. Similarly the concern about the dissemination of chemical or biological weapons and the need for their rapid and reliable detection will need to be met by devices that have many characteristics in common with biosensors.This book provides a practical introduction to the many skills needed in the highly interdisciplinary field of biosensor technology. Edited by two internationally renowned experts in this field it draws together contributions from active researchers in Europe, North America and Asia who describe how to implement techniques as diverse as protein engineering, optical and electrochemical instrumentation, single cell electrophysiology, screen printing and numerical modelling in the context of producing biosensors for both laboratory and commercial applications. As well as the many detailed protocols and experimental tips, the book also offers an overview of current research in this area as well as pointers to its further directions. The diversity of topics covered means that it will be suitable both for those already active in the area who wish to expand their repertoire of experimental tools and for those who are just starting out in biosensors research.