What is the function of a biosensor in biotechnology?

The function of a biosensor in biotechnology centers on its ability to detect and quantify specific substances within a sample, which allows for accurate measurements and real-time analysis in various applications. Biosensors typically utilize biological components, such as enzymes, antibodies, or nucleic acids, coupled with a transducer that converts the biological response into a measurable signal. This makes them invaluable for monitoring environmental pollutants, diagnosing diseases, and ensuring food safety, among other purposes.

By focusing on specificity, biosensors can identify particular molecules, such as glucose levels in blood or pathogens in a food sample, with high sensitivity and precision. This capability to measure specific targets is what sets biosensors apart from other analytical techniques, making them essential tools in both clinical and research settings within biotechnology.