The course aims to define the concepts of bioelectricity and biosensing. The sources and use of electrical fields and currents in the context of biological systems and problems are discussed. The fundamental challenges of measuring biological signals are introduced. The course discusses how to solve typical problems in biosensing and bioelectronics along with the remaining challenges in the field.

The student on completion of this course would be able to: 

• Understand the concept of biosensor design and information extraction from them
• Analyze sensor output through signal processing and analog circuit concepts
• Explain the state of the art of biological and medical sensors
• Apply to set and design wide range of innovative biosensors

None

I. Introduction

1. Overview of Sensors

2. History of Biosensors

3. Definition of Bioelectronics

4. Nanoelectronics Biosensing Devices, Applications and Challenges

 II. Biosensing

1. Fundamentals of Biosensing

2. Biosensor Design

3. BioMEMS

4. Transducers (optical, electrochemical, thermals, mass-sensitive)

5. Acoustic Biosensors

6. Microfluidic Systems

 III. Biosignal Processing

1. Definitions of Biosignal

2. Biological Recognition Elements (enzymatic, non-enzymatic, immobilization)

3. Bio-electrical Time Signals

4. Quantum and Classical Noise in Measuring Biological Signals

5. Noise Analysis

 IV. Potentiometric Sensors

1. Introduction to Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Cells

2. Principles of operation of ion-selective electrodes

3. Interfacial Electrochemistry/Electrical Biosensing

4. Examples in the field of Biosensing

 V. Applications

1. Glucometer and ELISA

2. DNA Biosensors

3. Food Analysis

4. IRIS

1. Nanoparticle synthesis and bio-functionalization
2. Bio-signal processing
3. Colorimetric biosensors
4. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors
5. Microfluidic sensor design using stereolithography
6. Glucose sensors

No designated textbook, but class notes and handouts will be provided.

1. Bilitewski, U., & Turner, A. (2000). Biosensors in Environmental Monitoring. Florida: CRC Press.
2. Bronzino, J. D., & Peterson, D. R. (2015). The Biomedical Engineering Handbook, 4th Edition. Florida: CRC Press.
3. Cunningham, A. J. (1998). Introduction to Bioanalytical Sensors. New York: Wiley-Interscience.
4. Dorf, R. C. (2018). Sensors, Nanoscience, Biomedical Engineering, and Instruments. Florida: CRC Press.
5. Glaser, R. (2012). Biophysics: An Introduction, 2nd Edition. Berlin: Springer.

1. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Elsevier
2. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Elsevier
3. Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature

Lecture hours = 30 h

Laboratory hours = 45 h

Assignments & Practice Problems = 10 h

Self-study = 90 h

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, class discussions, practice problems and assignments to understand the concepts. Practical examples will be presented in the class to easily grasp the concepts and practice problems will also be provided. Regular assignments are provided to expand student’s knowledge and gain expertise.

The final grade will be computed from the following constituent parts: Quizzes (10%), Mid-term exam (20%), Final exam (30%), Labs (30%) and Assignments (10%). Closed-book examination is used for both mid-term and final exam.

An “A” would be awarded if a student can demonstrate clear understanding of the knowledge learned in class as well as from the laboratory sessions, assignments and literature reviews. A “B” would be awarded if a student can understand the basic principles of the knowledge learned in class, in laboratory sessions, from the assignments and from literature reviews, and show overall understanding of all the given topics. A “C” would be given if a student can understand partially the basic principles of the knowledge learned in class, in laboratory sessions, from the assignments and from literature reviews, but meets below average expectation on both knowledge acquired and analysis. A “D” would be given if a student shows lack of understanding of the topics presented in the course.