Biosensors for Security and Bioterrorism Applications

This book offers comprehensive coverage ofbiomarker/biosensor interactions for the rapid detection of weapons ofbioterrorism, as well as current research trends and future developments andapplications. It will be useful to researchers in this field who are interestedin new developments in the early detection of such. The authors have collectedvery valuable and, in some aspects indispensable experience in the area i.e. inthe development and application of portable biosensors for the detection ofpotential hazards. Most efforts are centered on the development ofimmunochemical assays including flow-lateral systems and engineered antibodiesand their fragments. In addition, new approaches to the detection of enzymeinhibitors, direct enzymatic and microbial detection of metabolites andnutrients are elaborated. Some realized prototypes and concept devices applicablefor the further use as a basis for the cooperation programs are also discussed.There is a particular focus on electrochemical and optical detection systems,including those employing carbon nanotubes, quantum dots and metalnanoparticles. The authors are well-known scientists and most of them are editorsof respected international scientific journals. Although recently developed biosensorsutilize known principles, the biosensing devices described can significantlyshorten the time required for successful detection and enhance efforts in more time-consumingdirections, e.g. remote sensing systems and validation in real-sample analysis.The authors describe advances in all stages of biosensor development: theselection of biochemical components, their use in biosensor assembly, detectionprinciples and improvements and applications for real sample assays.