Biosensors and Biochips Lecture 1 Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from the 'Biosensors and Biochips' lecture, including definitions, historical events, mechanisms, components, applications, and course information.

What is the definition of terrorism as presented in the lecture?

Violence against civilians to achieve political or ideological objectives.

What was sent in five letters to media outlets after 9-11 in September 2001?

Anthrax spores.

What is Anthrax caused by?

Bacillus anthracis.

Describe Bacillus anthracis.

A large Gram-positive, spore-bearing bacterium that causes disease in animals and produces exotoxins.

Approximately how many Anthrax spores by inhalation are sufficient to cause infection?

~50,000 spores.

What are the three main ways Anthrax can enter the human body?

Through the lung (inhalation), mouth/intestine (ingestion), or skin (cutaneous).

Is Anthrax contagious from person to person?

No, it is non-contagious.

What are the initial symptoms of inhalation Anthrax?

Cold/flu-like symptoms, followed by severe respiratory collapse.

What is the mortality rate for untreated inhalation Anthrax?

Nearly 100% mortality.

What is a Category A agent according to the CDC?

High-priority agents easily disseminated, result in high mortality/public health impact, and might cause public panic/social disruption.

Who was the first publicly confirmed case of Anthrax inhalation in the U.S. since 1976 during the 2001 attacks?

Robert Stevens.

In the 2001 Anthrax attacks, how many people were infected and how many died?

More than 20 persons were infected and five people died.

What is bioterrorism?

The deliberate release of biological warfare agents with the aim to cause illness or death in civilians.

How did Assyrians practice bioterrorism in the 6th Century BC?

They poisoned the wells of their enemies with rye ergot.

During the French and Indian War, how did English general Jeffrey Amherst use bioterrorism?

He distributed blankets laced with smallpox to Native Americans loyal to the French.

According to a lecture calculation, how much Anthrax (in grams) would be needed to infect 10 million people in NYC?

1 gram.

What was one of the U.S. Government's main responses to the 2001 Anthrax attacks?

Significantly increased spending on biological warfare research and preparedness.

Why is rapid detection vital in biodefense scenarios?

To allow for early detection and response to biological agents.

What trend is observed in the publication of biosensor papers between 2000 and 2025?

More than a 1200% increase, with China overtaking the U.S. in 2013.

By what decade does a congressional report predict highly accurate biosensors for monitoring personal health, fitness, and nutrition?

By the 2040s.

What is a 'lab-on-a-chip' in the context of biosensors?

Multi-array biochips and microfluidic devices that can perform multiple laboratory operations on a single chip.

What is the main goal of the 'Biosensors and Biochips' course?

To familiarize students with basic principles of modern biosensors' design and applications.

What happens if student attendance is poor in the Biosensors class?

The instructor will start taking attendance, and only students with good records will get a semester-end bonus.

What percentage of the final grade do quizzes constitute in this course?

15%.

What percentage of the final grade does homework constitute in this course?

25%.

What is the minimum passing grade for a course to be considered satisfactory in this class?

65%.

According to the NYU Student Code of Conduct, what is plagiarism?

Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise; failure to attribute direct quotations, paraphrases, or borrowed facts.

What is the general definition of a sensor?

A device that detects a physical parameter or chemical substance and responds in a measurable, recordable, or indicatable manner.

What distinguishes a biosensor from other types of sensors?

It uses a biological sensing element for detection.

Give an example of a physical sensor.

Thermometer, odometer, pressure gauge, or weighing scales.

Give an example of a chemical sensor.

A pH indicator strip.

What was the first commercial home pregnancy test kit approved by the FDA?

'Early Pregnancy Test' in 1976.

What hormone does a home pregnancy test detect?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG).

How does a home pregnancy test strip indicate pregnancy?

The appearance of a red color band due to the formation of an Ab1-hCG-Ab2 complex.

What is the purpose of the two bands often seen on a home pregnancy test?

One band indicates the result (pregnant/not pregnant), and the other acts as a control to show the sensor is working properly.

How does an enzymatic temperature-abuse biosensor work?

An enzyme and substrate are contained in a solid matrix that melts above a critical temperature, activating the enzyme to produce a colored product.

What is a 'Time Temperature Indicator' (TTI)?

A sensor that integrates the exposure to undesirable temperature over time.

Why is the sickle cell device that screens newborns for HbS aggregation NOT a biosensor?

It contains no biological detection element for the recognition process.

What are the four main components of a generalized biosensor?

Analyte, Receptor, Transducer, and Signal Processor.

In a biosensor, what is the role of the transducer?

To convert the biological recognition event or biochemical reaction into a measurable signal.

What are the three key processes involved in a biosensor's operation?

Biological recognition, Transduction, and Signal processing.

How is the human nose considered a biosensor?

It uses olfactory membrane proteins as bioreceptors to detect small odor molecules, which nerve cells transduce into electric impulses processed by the brain.

Is the human eye a physical or chemical biosensor?

A physical biosensor, detecting visible light.

Describe the basic principle of signal transduction in the human nose.

Odorants bind to GPCRs, activating a G-protein cascade that leads to ion channel opening, causing cell membrane depolarization and an electric signal.

What is the common term for devices that can perform multiple laboratory operations on a single biochip using minute fluid volumes?

Lab-on-a-chip devices or microfluidics.

What common wearable sensors are generally NOT considered biosensors?

Wristbands and watches that track heart rate, calorie burn, and sleep quality without biological detection elements.

What kind of biosensor can monitor gastrointestinal health by detecting heme?

An ingestible bacterial-electronic system using probiotic-based biosensors.

In the context of biosensors, what are the 'Three Critical S's' for performance requirements?

Selectivity, Sensitivity, and Stability.

Why is the reliability of rapid test kits, such as home pregnancy tests, critical despite adding cost?

To ensure accurate results for end-users, especially when medical decisions might be based on them.

List three major market segments for biosensors.

Medical, Bio/Pharma, and Food.