Biosensor

Biosensor is an analytical device consisting of biological sensor like enzyme, antibody and a signal transducer. It converts the biological response into an electrical signal. The transducer are things like oxygen electrode, thermistor, pH electrodes and many more. 

http://www.ied.edu.hk/biotech/eng/classrm/class_gene5.html

Different types of biosensor include:

-       -Thermal Biosensor

-       -Optical biosensor

-       -Ion-sensitive biosensor

-       -Electrochemical biosensor

Application of biosensor: (Glucose monitoring biosensor)

Glucometer consist of glucose oxidase, this enzyme reacts with glucose in the blood droplet when pricked. This reaction between glucose oxidase and our blood creates a flux that generates an electrical signal. The glucometer is calibrated so that the strength of the electrical signal equals to the readings in the digital readout.

Pros and Cons of Biosensor:                                 

Pros:

-       -Rapid and continuous measurement.

-       -Very specific

-       -Less reagent used for calibration

-       -Quick response time

Cons:

-       -Cannot be steamed-sterilised

-       -Not feasible in sterile bioreactor operation

-       -Can be poisoned by compounds or metals

REFERENCES
http://www.ied.edu.hk/biotech/eng/classrm/class_gene5.html 
http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/how-do-glucometers-work 
http://www.azosensors.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=402 

http://galleryhip.com/glucometer-clipart.html