Monitoring using biomolecular

OFDs can be divided into two subclasses (1) optical fiber chemical detectors (OFCD) which detect the presence of chemical species in samples, and (2) optical fiber biomolecular detectors (OFBD) which detect biomolecules in samples. Each subclass can be divided further into probes and sensors, and bioprobes and biosensors, respectively. As a result of the rapid expansion of optical research, these terms have not been clearly defined and to date, the terms probe and sensof have been used synonymously in the literature. As the number of publications increases, the terminology should be clarified. Although both probes and sensors serve to detect chemicals in samples, they are not identical. The same situation exists with bioprobes and biosensors. Simply, probes and bioprobes are irreversible to the analyte s presence, whereas sensors and biosensors monitor compounds reversibly and continuously. 

Since conception over 100 years ago, MS has become an important analytical and research tool with diverse applications ranging from astronomical study of the solar system to materials analysis and process monitoring in chemical, oil and pharmaceutical industries. Use of MS has led to very many scientific breakthroughs including the discovery of isotopes, accurate determination of atomic mass, and the characterization of biomolecular structure. Indeed, MS is now a fundamental technique employed in pharmacology, toxicology and other biological, environmental and biomedical sciences. 

Biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA) is a relatively new technique which enables the detection of biomolecules and the monitoring of interactions between two or more species to be carried out in real time, without the use of labels. The detection principle used depends on the phenomenon of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). 

Biological recognition elements are chosen because they are able to identify a category of toxic effect such as cellular toxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity or endocrine disruption. Table 3.4.3 shows some examples of biomolecular recognition systems used in biosensors and bioassays for environmental monitoring (based on Bilitewski et al., 2000 Brenner-WeiB and Obst, 2003). 

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