Description: An antigen biosensor is a device that uses biological principles to detect the presence of specific antigens in a biological sample, such as blood, saliva, or bodily fluids. These biosensors combine biological elements, such as antibodies or nucleic acids, with a transducer that converts the biological signal into an electrical or optical signal, thus allowing for the quantification of the antigen’s presence. The high sensitivity and specificity of these devices make them ideal for applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Furthermore, their integration with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies enables real-time data transmission, facilitating analysis and rapid decision-making. Antigen biosensors are a promising tool in personalized medicine and infectious disease surveillance, as they can provide fast and accurate results, improving treatment efficacy and outbreak management.
History: Biosensors began to be developed in the 1960s when the first electrochemical devices for glucose detection were introduced. However, the concept of antigen biosensors solidified in the 1980s and 1990s, with advancements in biotechnology and the identification of specific antibodies. The evolution of immunoassay techniques and the miniaturization of electronic components have enabled the creation of more sophisticated and accessible biosensors.
Uses: Antigen biosensors are primarily used in medical diagnostics to detect infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and COVID-19. They are also applied in the food industry to identify contaminants and pathogens in products. In environmental monitoring, these devices can assess water quality and detect biological contaminants.
Examples: An example of an antigen biosensor is the rapid COVID-19 test, which uses antibodies to detect the presence of the virus in nasal samples. Another example is the use of biosensors in allergen detection in foods, allowing consumers to avoid products that may cause allergic reactions.
