Development of Biosensors From Biopolymer Composites

Biosensors essentially involve use of biological recognition unit in the form of enzymes, nucleic acids, cells, tissues, etc. For proper functioning of the biosensor, activity of this biological moiety needs to be preserved. Biopolymers provide a biocompatible environment and serve as an ideal matrix for immobilization of biomolecules and hence are being widely exploited for development of biosensors. Most of the biopolymers have ability to swell in aqueous environment, thus helping to eliminate the diffusion barrier for analyte. Biopolymers are also amiable for preparation of composites with various functional materials such as carbon-based nanomaterial, metal nanoparticles, conducting polymers, etc. leading to enhancement of its properties. This chapter overviews the various methods for synthesis of biopolymer composites and their application in biosensors, particularly electronic biosensors. The advantages, current developments, and future scope of biopolymer composites in the field of biosensors are also discussed.