Biosensor Technology Growing in Leaps and Bounds

Improvements to biosensor technology are taking off in labs around the world.  Biosensors which are unique electronic sensors, some able to detect the presence or changes in as small as molecular models or biomolecules to major physical changes and are set to play a major role in the advancement of biomedical science over the next few years and decades.  A number or critical breakthroughs have been noted over the past few days, months and years that will revolutionize the field biomedical technology and medicine.

In a study presented at the Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, a smart sensor was developed that could be implanted during spinal, knee, or hip repair to detect temperature, motion, strain, stress, and pressure at the location of surgery.  This information can then be used to determine the progress of the patient more accurately to determine the amount or type of recovery needed.

One research group at the University of Leeds is developing biosensor technology that is able to test for the presence of the Adenovirus, i.e. the common cold.  The technology could be developed to rapidly, efficiently, and cost effectively detect the common cold.  Such technology is still a long way from clinical use, however the promise of such technology is endless.  The rapid and early detection of such viruses could prevent an unnecessary prescription for antibiotics or tailor treatment for specific strains of a virus.

Viral infection discovered via traditional pathology

Endless uses for biosensor technology are being explored in labs around the world including intelligent blood pressure detection, disease detection, and glucose detection.  This technology could improve and simplify detection of countless disease and ailments, reducing the costs to treat and improving outcomes.

Sources:
A Step Closer To Diagnostics For Viruses (University of Leeds)
2012 Annual Meeting (Orthopaedic Research Society)
Biosensors Inspired by Nature (Medical News Today)
Viral Infection Photo (Pulmonary Pathology)

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