Cell-Based Biosensors and Their Application in Biomedicine

A biosensor is an analytical device that can be used for detecting analytes and combines a biological component with a physicochemical detecting transducer. In recent years, biosensors have rapidly expanded and evolved in many new fields such as molecularly sensitive receptors, biomimetic sensors, and nanotechnologies. In contrast to molecule-based approaches, cell-based biosensors have a broad spectrum of detection capabilities. Moreover, in addition to analyte sensing and detecting, cell-based biosensors can provide the advantages of rapid and sensitive analysis for in situ monitoring with cells. Cells naturally encapsulate molecular sensor arrays. Enzymes, receptors, and ion channels, all with a stable status, could respond to their corresponding analytes via a native cellular mechanism.