Biosensors and Invasive Monitoring in Clinical Applications
Emma P. Córcoles · Martyn G. Boutelle
2013
Abstract
Physical and physiological parameters are commonly monitored in clinical settings using invasive techniques due to their positive outcome in patients’ diagnosis and treatment. Biochemical parameters, however, still rely on offline measurements and require large pieces of equipment. The high sensitivity, specificity and relative short response time are some of the excellent capabilities of biosensors, but biofouling and tissue damage have limited their use. Miniaturisation technology has mitigated the concerns related to tissue damage, positioning biosensors at the forefront of implantable devices. However, biosensors main failure is still due to the encapsulation process triggered by the body’s immune response. Sampling techniques have been used to collect interstitial fluid of different tissues and organs. Microdialysis sampling has the potential to continuously monitor biochemicals in vivo, but lacks the temporal resolution required for real time measurements. An approach to tackle the limitations of each individual technique has been to combine them. The synergy between microdialysis and biosensors has allowed for continuous monitoring of patients’ biochemical parameters. This volume examines the advances of invasive monitoring by means of biosensors and microdialysis to ensure a more widespread use of these techniques in today’s medical practices.