A biosensor is defined as a detecting device that combines a transducer with a
biologically sensitive and selective component. When a specific target molecule interacts
with the biological component, a signal is produced, at transducer level, proportional to the
concentration of the substance. Therefore biosensors can measure compounds present in the
environment, chemical processes, food and human body at low cost if compared with
traditional analytical techniques.
This book covers a wide range of aspects and issues related to biosensor technology,
bringing together researchers from 11 different countries. The book consists of 16 chapters
written by 53 authors. The first four chapters describe several aspects of nanotechnology
applied to biosensors. The subsequent section, including three chapters, is devoted to
biosensor applications in the fields of drug discovery, diagnostics and bacteria detection.
The principles behind optical biosensors and some of their application are discussed in
chapters from 8 to 11. The last five chapters treat of microelectronics, interfacing circuits,
signal transmission, biotelemetry and algorithms applied to biosensing
