What is the Difference Between Biomarker and Biosensor

The main difference between biomarker and biosensor is that biomarker is an indicator for measuring and detecting pathogenic factors and assessing biological conditions whereas a biosensor is a biological device used for various purposes, such as rapid detection and traceability of pathogens, blood glucose measurements, contamination control, DNA analysis, and the study of the effects of drugs.

Biomarkers and biosensors are two factors that detect and identify pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells. Generally, many laboratory methods to identify bacteria are time-consuming. However, biomarkers and biosensors allow the detection and identification of bacteria more quickly and more easily.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Biomarker
   • Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Biosensor
   • Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Biomarker and Biosensor
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Biomarker and Biosensor
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bacteria, Biomarker, Biosensor

What is Biomarker

A biomarker is an indicator for measuring and detecting pathogenic factors and assessing biological conditions.  the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment widely uses biomarkers. Moreover, a biomarker is an indicator of a specific disease and physical states in the living tissue. It can also detect the symptoms of a specific disease. More importantly, some biomarkers can deliver a specific drug to a specific tissue. Therefore, a biomarker labels the drug transmitting to a target tissue.

Figure 1: Cancer Biomarkers

Furthermore, there are two types of biomarkers; they are molecular biomarkers and phenotypic biomarkers. Molecular biomarkers, which are available in both biochemical and DNA, are non-imaging biomarkers that have biophysical properties such as plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage. Phenotypic biomarkers, on the other hand, can be non-invasive, panoramic, and easy to obtain. They are genetic and epigenetic polymorphisms bearing information about either intrinsic or extrinsic features of a human being.

What is Biosensor

A biosensor is a biological device that is used in various fields. Generally, these fields include rapid detection and traceability of pathogens, blood glucose measurements, contamination control, DNA analysis, and the study of the effects of drugs. Furthermore, the two components of a biosensor are bioreceptors and transducers.

Figure 2: Biosensors

Moreover, biological molecules can work as bioreceptors. They serve as analytes to convert a physiological signal into an electrical signal. Then, this signal converts to a voltage value, and based on this value, the amount of biological factor is determined.

Similarities Between Biomarker and Biosensor

• Biomarkers and biosensors are two factors that detect and identify pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells.
• They should be biocompatible and not dangerous to the tissues and cells of the body.
• Moreover, they should also be immobilized and have no adverse effect on other tissues in the body.
• They are chemically stable in living tissues.

Difference Between Biomarker and Biosensor

Definition

A biomarker refers to an indicator for measuring and detecting pathogenic factors and assessing biological conditions. In contrast, a biosensor refers to a biological device that is used in various fields, such as rapid detection and traceability of pathogens, blood glucose measurements, contamination control, DNA analysis, and the study of the effects of drugs.

Significance

Usually, a biomarker is an indicator measuring pathogenic factors while a biosensor is a biological device that rapidly detects pathogens.

Examples

A biomarker indicates physical states in the living tissue while the biosensor detects biological parameters such as blood sugar level.

Conclusion

In brief, biomarkers and biosensors detect and identify pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells. A biomarker is an indicator to detect pathogen factors. It also gives the physical state of a tissue. On the other hand, a  biosensor is a biological device to measure pathogenic parameters such as blood sugar levels and detect pathogens. Therefore, this is the main difference between biomarkers and biosensors.

References:

1. Urea and the clinical value of measuring blood urea concentration. (n.d.). Symbiosis Online Publishing.  Retrieved August 10, 2022. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cancer biomarker figure ” By K.go2011 – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Electrochemical biosensor ” By Il-Hoon Cho – Own Work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia