Page 179 - Academic Press Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology 3rd BioTechnology

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Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology EN009J-69 July 19, 2001 22:50

Microanalytical Assays

Jerome S. Schultz
University of Pittsburgh

I. Microfabrication
II. Biosensors
III. Biological Recognition Elements
IV. Immobilization
V. Detector Elements
VI. Optically Based Biosensors
VII. Other Detectors
VIII. Sensor Dynamics

GLOSSARY Biorecognition An interaction between a bioactive
molecule and receptor from a cell.
Absorbance The common logarithm of the reciprocal of Biosensor A devise that uses specific biochemical reac-
the internal transmittance of a given substance. tions mediated by isolated enzymes, immunosystems,
Amperometric Titration in which the end point is de- tissues, organelles, or whole cells to detect chemical
termined by measuring the amperage of an electric compounds, usually by electrical, thermal, or optical
current of given voltage that is passed through the signals.
solution. Biotechnology The study of the relationship between
Analyte A component to be measured in an analysis. human beings and machines, especially in terms of
Antibody Protein naturally existing in blood serum or physiological, psychological, and technological re-
produced by an animal in response to stimulation by quirements.
an antigen that reacts to overcome the toxic effects of Catalysts Anysubstancethatincreasestherateofachem-
a specific antigen. ical reaction but is itself unchanged at the end of the
Binding The act or process by which one molecule reaction.
attaches to another by noncovalent forces. Chemiluminescence The production of visible light (lu-
Bioassays Any quantitative estimation of biologically ac- minescence) occurring as a result of a chemical
tive substances by measurement of the magnitude of reaction.
their actions on living organisms or parts of organisms. Chromophores A molecular moiety that produces color
Biomolecule Any molecule, especially a macromolecule, absorption when bound to a colorless molecule.
that occurs in or is formed by living organisms. Electroactive A substance that reacts at an electrode.

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