Enzymes and Biosensor Technology

This chapter describes the use of enzymes in biosensors. Enzyme-based biosensors have enjoyed a prosperous growth market for more than five decades and are increasingly being used in biotechnological processes. Typically, they comprise a biological recognition element together with a physicochemical transducer. The main advantages of biosensors are their easy-to-use operation, cost-effective manufacturing, and their ability for sensitive and highly accurate detection of specific analytes. A brief overview on “biosensor technology” is given, including relevant sensor parameters, followed by major developments in electrochemical enzyme biosensors with a more detailed focus on possible applications in the field of biotechnology. Looking beyond the “end of one’s nose” will offer insight into alternative transducer principles and biomolecules.