Biosensors: basic features and application for fatty acid-binding protein, an early plasma marker of myocardial injury

Biosensors, especially immunosensors, are of great value for use in a clinical setting, since these are based on antigen-antibody reactions which are highly sensitive and specific. Furthermore, it becomes more and more important to measure specific compounds in biological matrices, such as blood or plasma, in a fast continuous manner. Biosensors are therefore suitable for application in high throughput systems. Until now only enzyme-biosensors have been developed for such systems. Continuous measurement of proteins could be established by use of the principle of displacement. This mini-review also presents the current status of biosensors for fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), a protein which is released very rapidly into the bloodstream after myocardial injury, and proven applicable as a plasma marker for acute myocardial injury. The various types of immunosensors for FABP are described, including a recently developed displacement sensor for this protein. The latter allows continuous measurement of FABP for future use in a bedside monitoring device. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.