https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.09655
Component of biological origin that translates information from the biochemical domain into a physical or chemical domain with a defined selectivity.
Notes:
- The main purpose of the biological recognition element is to provide a biosensor or other system with a high degree of selectivity for the kind of quantity to be measured.
- Typical biological recognition elements include biocatalysts, immune receptors, nucleic acids, and others. Biologically-derived recognition elements, such as oligopeptides, oligosaccharides, and peptide nucleic acids are also of great interest.
- A biocatalytic recognition element is based on a biocatalytic reaction. Five types of biocatalyst are commonly used: (a) Enzyme (mono-or multi-enzyme): the most common and well-developed recognition system; (b) whole cells (micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic cells or yeast) or cell organelles or particles (mitochondria, cell walls); and (c) tissue (plant or animal tissue slice). (d) Ribozymes, and (e) DNAzymes.
- A biocomplexing or bioaffinity recognition element is based on the binding interaction of the analyte with macromolecules or organised molecular assemblies that have either been isolated from their original biological environment or engineered.