Chemical sensors consist of a recognition element that is sensitive to stimuli produced by various chemical compounds (analyte) and a transduction element that generates a signal whose magnitude is functionally related to the concentration of the analyte. Chemical sensors also include a special branch referred to as biosensors for the recognition of biochemicals and bio-reactions. The use of biological elements such as organisms, enzymes, antibodies, tissues, and cells as receptors differentiates biosensors from conventional chemical sensors. In general, the chemical sensors are brondh classified into gas, liquid, and solid particulate sensors based on the phases of the analyte. They are further categorized as optical, electrochemical, thermometric, and gravimetric (mass sensitive) sensors according to the operating principle of the transducer. Detailed sub-classification of the sensing schemes along with a comprehensive review of the merits and challenges of each modality can be found in the book authored by Jiri Janata.
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