Electrochemical biosensors: Recommended definitions and classification This technical report by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides definitions and classification for electrochemical biosensors. A biosensor is a self-contained device that uses a biological recognition element (biochemical receptor) in direct contact with an electrochemical transduction element to provide specific analytical information. Electrochemical biosensors are a type of biosensor with an electrochemical transducer. They are distinguished from bioanalytical systems that require additional processing steps. Biosensors may be classified based on the biological specificity-conferring mechanism or the mode of physicochemical signal transduction. The biological recognition element may be based on a chemical reaction catalyzed by, or an equilibrium reaction with, macromolecules. In the latter case, equilibrium is generally reached and there is no further net consumption of analyte(s) by the immobilized biocomplexing agent. Biosensors may be further classified according to the analytes or reactions that they monitor: direct monitoring of analyte concentration or of reactions producing or consuming such analytes; alternatively, indirect monitoring of inhibitor or activator of the biological recognition element. The report discusses the construction of biosensors, including the immobilization of biological receptors, inner and outer membranes, and the performance criteria for biosensors. Performance criteria include calibration characteristics, selectivity, response times, sample throughput, reproducibility, stability, and lifetime. The report also addresses the limitations of the term 'biosensor' and the distinction between single-use and multiple-use biosensors. The report recommends that biosensors should be clearly distinguished from analytical systems that require additional processing steps. It also emphasizes the importance of defining performance criteria for biosensors, including calibration characteristics, selectivity, response times, sample throughput, reproducibility, stability, and lifetime. The report provides guidelines for reporting characteristics of the biosensor response, including sensitivity, working and linear concentration range, detection and quantitative determination limits, selectivity, steady-state and transient response times, sample throughput, reproducibility, stability, and lifetime.Electrochemical biosensors: Recommended definitions and classification This technical report by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides definitions and classification for electrochemical biosensors. A biosensor is a self-contained device that uses a biological recognition element (biochemical receptor) in direct contact with an electrochemical transduction element to provide specific analytical information. Electrochemical biosensors are a type of biosensor with an electrochemical transducer. They are distinguished from bioanalytical systems that require additional processing steps. Biosensors may be classified based on the biological specificity-conferring mechanism or the mode of physicochemical signal transduction. The biological recognition element may be based on a chemical reaction catalyzed by, or an equilibrium reaction with, macromolecules. In the latter case, equilibrium is generally reached and there is no further net consumption of analyte(s) by the immobilized biocomplexing agent. Biosensors may be further classified according to the analytes or reactions that they monitor: direct monitoring of analyte concentration or of reactions producing or consuming such analytes; alternatively, indirect monitoring of inhibitor or activator of the biological recognition element. The report discusses the construction of biosensors, including the immobilization of biological receptors, inner and outer membranes, and the performance criteria for biosensors. Performance criteria include calibration characteristics, selectivity, response times, sample throughput, reproducibility, stability, and lifetime. The report also addresses the limitations of the term 'biosensor' and the distinction between single-use and multiple-use biosensors. The report recommends that biosensors should be clearly distinguished from analytical systems that require additional processing steps. It also emphasizes the importance of defining performance criteria for biosensors, including calibration characteristics, selectivity, response times, sample throughput, reproducibility, stability, and lifetime. The report provides guidelines for reporting characteristics of the biosensor response, including sensitivity, working and linear concentration range, detection and quantitative determination limits, selectivity, steady-state and transient response times, sample throughput, reproducibility, stability, and lifetime.