Biosensors — what real progress is being made?

Abstract

Biosensors have been hailed as the solution to many analytical problems in a wide range of industries. The heterogeneity of the proposed markets is equalled by that of the technologies called ‘biosensors’. The many research groups worldwide are prolific in their publication of research papers and patents. Clearly, the field is not limited by a lack of information regarding the fundamental technology. However, there are, as yet, few successful commercial biosensor products available. The principle constraints on the commercial realization of such products concern the technical and manufacturing feasibility, market development and investment strategies. Whilst commercially viable biosensors will certainly emerge eventually, the timescale is longer than many would wish.