Electrochemical biosensors for on-site analysis

An electrochemical biosensor is an analytical device in which biological components, in close contact with electrodes, are used to detect a target analyte in solution. We present here the development and application of several electrochemical biosensors based on enzyme amplification and amperometric detection, with screen-print electrodes. The sensors are easy to operate, and the procedures are rapid, accurate, reproducible and inexpensive, requiring neither special skills and training nor complicated instrumentation. The basic configuration of the sensor can be adapted to and applied in various analytical determinations. Examples for the fast identification and quantitative determination of hazardous environmental chemical pollutants, food components, and certain bacteria and viruses that adversely affect human health will be discussed.