14^th Euro Biosensors & Bioelectronics Congress

Enzyme-based biosensors

Electrochemical biosensors are usually supported protein enzymatic catalysis of a reaction that produces or consumes electrons (such enzymes are justly known as oxidoreduction enzymes). An enzyme biosensor is an analytical device that combines an enzyme with a transducer to produce a signal proportional to target analyte concentration. This signal can result from a change in proton concentration, release or uptake of gases, such as ammonia or oxygen, light emission, absorption or reflectance, heat emission, and so forth, brought about by the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. Enzyme - based sensors are more specific than cell based sensors. They have faster responds due to shorter diffusion paths. They are expensive to produce due to the problem of isolating the enzyme. Optimal enzyme activity is essential for maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Both non-genetic and genetic disruptions can excessively activate or silence intrinsic enzyme activities, with pathological outcomes. The pharmacological agents are activators and inhibitors of enzymes. It is essential in the development of drugs as enzyme activators and inhibitors that enzyme activities be accurately measured under physiological and pathological conditions. The coupling of enzymes with electrochemical sensors permits the simple determination of metabolites, therapeutic drugs, antigens, and antibodies.