Sensitivity Enhanced Double Cavity
Biosensor for Cancer Detection
What are Biosensors?
Biosensors are analytical devices used to detect a biological component using a recognition element, transducer, and processing/display element. Biosensors are used in many different fields for a variety of applications, from blood glucose monitoring to the detection of airborne bacteria from a biological attack. But what actually makes up a biosensor?
Analyte is exposed to the recognition element designed to pick up the desired component of the analyte. The recognition element is connected to the transducer, which functions to convert the recognized components into an electrical signal. The signal is then passed to a processing and display element which extracts and displays the information taken from the electrical signal.
Recognition Element
This is the first major component of the biosensor. Its purpose is to ensure that the desired component of the analyte is collected for analysis by the rest of the system. Micro-organisms, DNA, enzymes, and even whole cells can be used for component recognition.
Transducer
The biosensor component interfaces with the recognition element and provides for a means of converting the recognized elements into electrical signals. Electrochemical, piezoelectric, thermal, and optical are all different approaches to transduction.
Display/Processing Element
Lastly is the display and processing element. This element connects to the output of the transducer, possibly through an amplifier depending on signal strength. The goal of this element is to take a signal and extract any useful information from it. Once processed, it is sent to the display.
Blood Glucose Monitor
A glucose monitor is a device determining the approximate concentration of glucose in the blood. A small drop of blood (usually from a finger prick) is deposited on the disposable testing strip. Such monitors are of great use to people suffering from diabetes.
ELISA
ELISA is used mainly to detect the presence of anana sample . It is used in a variety of fields; from medicine to allergy testing to quality control.
- A single optical cavity can be realized by partially reflecting mirrors which are
separated by small gap where test sample fluid flow through the sensor region.
- The output of a cavity is very sharp peaks at the resonant wavelengths due to
multiple beam interference.
- Optical Cavity structure can be used as an affinity biosensor. Upon the
immobilization of biomarkers on receptors, slight shift in resonance peaks can
be detected by optical spectrometer.
