BIOSENSORS - A VIABLE MONITORING TECHNOLOGY

Biosensors for practical in vivo and in vitro applications are depende nt on the effective integration of several biological and physical tec hnologies. This review paper was stimulated by an IEE seminar. Some of the more recent advances aimed at taking techniques of fundamental an d academic interest to various forms of practical reagentless biochemi cal 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 aspec ts of fabrication, including multilayer films for sensor applications, advances in ISFETs, conjugated polymers, new developments in quartz c rystal based biosensors, as well as advances in amperometric enzyme el ectrodes and the application of devices for continuous monitoring.