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Course description

This course will firstly provide an introduction to the field of biosensors covering the basic principles of operation of all of the major classes of biomedical biosensors.

The importance of diabetes as both a medical and economic driver for biosensor development will be reviewed. Each of the main classes of biomedical biosensors ranging from hospital chemical pathology based devices through to hand-held portable biosensors for use by sufferers of diabetes will be covered.

The course will progress to cover the development of biomedical lateral flow tests such as ‘over the counter’ pregnancy tests.

A major focus for research in the field of biosensors and biomedical tests is for the development of point-of-care tests for use by health practitioners through to patients at home. Recent technological advancements and emerging technologies in the fields of biosensors and biomedical point-of-care testing will be discussed.

Topics to be covered within the course will include:

• An introduction to biosensors and key historical developments leading to commercial manufacture.
• The world market for biosensors and predicted future trends in the biosensors point‑of‑care and related biomedical diagnostics sectors.
• An introduction to amperometric biosensors and their commercial manufacturing.
• The O₂ electrode.
• The Clark glucose oxidase enzyme electrode for whole blood glucose determinations.
• Mediators and commercial manufacture of screen printed second generation biosensors.
• The design of disposable electrode biosensor strips for commercial manufacture of blood glucose and other biomedical biosensors.
• Screen printing as a key manufacturing technology for blood glucose sensor production; key requirements to ensure reproducibility during the manufacturing process.
• Biological components; the handling of enzymes and other biological reagents during the manufacture of biosensor strips.
• Quality control throughout the manufacturing process for biosensor production.
• Point-of-care biomedical tests as a key research and development driver within the field – future commercial opportunities.
• Recent technological advances and commercial developments in the field of biosensors; requirements for finger-prick blood glucose sensors to use smaller volume of blood and to give faster results.

Who should attend

This course is intended for academics or industrialists with interests in the field of biosensors - ranging from research through to manufacturing, commercialisation or marketing.

Focus

The course concentrates on:

• An introduction to the field of biosensors
• An overview of the history and development of this sector
• Coverage of all key manufacturing steps contributing to the commercial manufacture of commercial biosensors for biomedical applications.
• An in depth market analysis outlining the market opportunities in this field
• Future trends within the biosensors, point‑of‑care and related medical diagnostics sectors.
• State-of-the art technological reviews

Outcomes

Delegates will leave the course with:

• A thorough understanding of the biosensors market, its development and history
• An in-depth understanding of the technological advances in this market both historically and looking towards the future.  This is due to Cranfield’s unique position within this field and our long-standing heritage in this arena.
• An understanding of all the key manufacturing steps contributing to the commercial production of blood glucose biosensors and other commercial biosensors.
• The ability to accurately predict and track future market trends in this sector
• A network of commercial contacts currently working in this exciting market
• An understanding of the market entry barriers and enablers experienced by the producers in the North American and European markets.
• An ongoing relationship with Cranfield’s academic community to provide future support and advice.

Format

The course will be delivered in the form of a 2 day residential workshop. Cranfield’s position in the Biosensors market is unique and we have been working at the forefront of this technology for over 25 years.  The programme will be delivered by Cranfield’s world recognised experts in the field and will focus on chemical pathology (hospital) based biosensors, blood glucose biosensors for use by diabetic patients – and emerging technologies in the field of biomedical point-of-care testing.

Accompanying lecture notes, which will be supplied both in electronic and hard copy paper format, will support throughout the course.

Depending on the experience and background of the course delegates, the programme has a flexible structure to provide time for interactive questions and discussions throughout.   This approach will allow each individual to achieve his or her own personal learning requirements.