The frequency of reports concemmg the interface of biological reco- tion
elements to signal transduction technologies has risen dramatically over
the last decade. Because any one of a wide variety of biological
recognition elements (e. g., antibodies, receptors, DNA, microorganisms,
or enzymes) can theoretically be interfaced with any one of a wide
variety of signal transducers (e. g., optical, electrochemical, thermal,
or acoustic), the potential range of devices and techniques can be
bewildering. The purpose of this volume and the previous volume in this
series is to provide a basic reference and startmg point for
investigators in academics, mdustry, and government to begin or expand
their biosensors research. This volume, Methods in Biotechnology vol. 7:
Affinity Biosensors: Techniques and Protocols, describes a variety of
classical and emerging transduction technologies that have been
interfaced to bioaffinity elements (e. g., antibodies and receptors).
Some of the reasons for the expansion in the use of affinity-based
biosensors include both advances in signal transduction technologies (e.
g., fiber optics, microelectromcs, and microfabrication) and the
availability of bioafflmty elements. More specifically, with respect to
biological recognttion elements, commercially and noncommercially
produced antibodies directed toward a variety of analytes have become
widely available. In addition, te- niques for the purification and
stabilization of receptors have also significantly improved. As a result
of these recent advances in the field, biosensors research and
development projects are being pursued by mvestigators from a wide range
of disciplines.
