Development of microelectronic based biosensors

Biosensors offer the opportunity to sense the biological world providing valuable information for medical diagnostics, analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring and fundamental research. Convergence of engineered (bio)chemical surfaces with micro- and nano- systems promises tremendous advances and potential cost reductions in biotechnology. This paper introduces some key challenges facing biosensor development, focussing on opportunities that arise from microsystem platforms utilising novel materials and processes. Examples from our work are presented illustrating the implementation of acoustic wave sensors and novel FET-type sensors.