Biosensors: a viable monitoring technology?

Biosensors for practical in vivo and in vitro applications are dependent on the effective integration of several biological and physical technologies. This review paper was stimulated by an IEE seminar. Some of the more recent advances aimed at taking techniques of fundamental and academic interest to various forms of practical reagentless biochemical analysis are highlighted, with associated clinical and commercial consequences. The paper describes some of the most recent developments in biosensor research, in particular those relating to material aspects of fabrication, including multilayer films for sensor applications, advances in ISFETs, conjugated polymers, new developments in quartz crystal based biosensors, as well as advances in amperometric enzyme electrodes and the application of devices for continuous monitoring.