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This section provides an overview for biosensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 biosensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked biosensor companies as of December, 2024: 1.LifeSignals, 2.BioDot, 3.Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG.
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Categories Related to Biosensors
A biosensor is a sensor capable of specifically detecting a target substance using a biological reaction.
Materials used in biosensors are classified into three groups: the biocatalytic group consisting of enzymes, the biocompatible group, including antibodies and nucleic acids, and the microbial group, including microorganisms. By utilizing the molecular discriminating ability of these biomaterials, it is possible to detect the target substance specifically.
The development of biosensors requires interdisciplinary research in chemistry, biology, and engineering. It is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, including medical and pharmaceutical sciences, food analysis, and environmental surveys.
Figure 1. Structure of biosensors
Biosensors are mainly composed of receptors, immobilization layers, and transducers.
A bioreceptor is a biological substance used to detect a target substance. By using a bioreceptor that selectively recognizes the target molecule, it is possible to detect only the target substance specifically. Biomolecules such as enzymes, antibodies, cells, aptamers, and nucleic acids are used as bioreceptors.
The immobilization layer is a layer that immobilizes the biological substance used as a bioreceptor on the transducer without compromising its function.
In general, if a biological substance is immobilized by a strong method, its function and activity are often lost. However, if immobilization is weakened to maintain function and activity, the biological substance is detached, and the detection ability is reduced. Various research and development are being conducted to overcome this issue, and methods using matrices based on porous membranes and polymers, as well as immobilization methods such as physical adsorption and cross-linking methods, are being utilized.
The transducer is the part that converts the response of the bioreceptor into a measurable signal. The two main types of measurable signals used are optical and electrochemical signals. By processing the obtained signals, the amount and concentration of the target substance can be calculated.
Figure 2. Characteristics of biosensors
Biosensors are produced using biological substances and are, therefore, relatively sensitive. In addition to the medical field, biosensors are also used in various other fields, such as the food and environmental industries, because they are generally inexpensive, compact, and easy to operate.
Conventional techniques for chemical experiments and spectroscopy are accurate but require complicated sample preparation and have the disadvantage of detecting signals other than those of the target substance.
Another drawback is that measurements must be performed in a stable room, so samples collected during field surveys must be brought back home once collected, and it takes time to obtain results.
Biosensors are expected to be used in a wide range of fields, as they are inexpensive measurement devices that are easy to operate and provide results in a short period.
In the field of medicine, in particular, the application of biosensors is advancing rapidly. For example, glucose biosensors are being clinically applied to the diagnosis of diabetes, which requires accurate control of blood glucose levels.
Figure 3. Applications of biosensors
The most promising application of biosensors is in the medical field. Biosensors can be used to monitor one's health condition for treatment and health management.
Diabetes patients measure their blood glucose levels using a simple blood glucose meter, but wearable devices can measure blood glucose levels without drawing blood. Various models, including contact lenses and watch-type devices, are being researched, and expectations are high for their practical application.
Many sensors have been developed to diagnose diseases that previously required various tests, using only simple tests such as a urine test. For example, there are antigen-antibody tests that use immune reactions to measure disease-related proteins and viruses. Research is underway to develop more sensitive biosensors and quantitative measurement methods are being explored to diagnose multiple diseases using the same biosensor.
The application of biosensors is also being studied in the field of pharmacology. Drug delivery systems (DDS), which release the required amount of drug at the desired location in the human body, are expected to be the next generation of drug administration. Strictly speaking, they are not part of biosensors because they do not use transducers, but instead of generating a signal, they release the drug contained inside.
DDS-using receptors can release drugs only at the target location using human immune response, etc. This makes it possible to treat diseases that require surgery or diseases such as cancer that are difficult to cure by orally taking or injecting medicine.
It is expected that acquiring and using biochemical information in this way in the future will be useful for full-scale medicine and health care.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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LifeSignals, founded in 2006 and headquartered in San Jose, California, is a manufacturer of silicon, chip products, and biosensors. The company specializes in wearable biosensor technology, developing non-invasive remote monitoring solutions. Its main product is the LifeSignals ECG Patch, offering continuous electrocardiogram monitoring. The company specializes in biometric data acquisition and transmission, primarily in remote patient monitoring for cardiac health and chronic disease management. Its technology finds applications in the healthcare, telemedicine, and wellness sectors.
BioDot, a company founded in 1994 and headquartered in Irvine, California, is a manufacturer of automation and liquid handling systems for lateral flow tests and POC devices. The company specializes in precision dispensing and automation solutions for the life sciences and diagnostic industries. Its main products include non-contact dispensing systems, microarray spotters, and fluid-handling equipment. The company ensures and facilitates precise and efficient fluid handling and deposition for applications like microarray manufacturing, diagnostics, and bioassays. While ISO certifications may vary, the company provides industrial standards to ensure the accuracy of its equipment, serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research sectors globally.
Eastprint Incorporated, established in 1978, and located in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA, is a manufacturer and designer of membrane switches. They offer custom membrane switches, flexible printed circuits, and graphic overlays. These products find applications in industries such as medical devices, automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.Their printing solutions provide user-friendly interfaces, control panels, and durable labels, enhancing product functionality and branding. Eastprint Incorporated is backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications.
HID Global is a provider of hardware and software solutions that helps to empower access. With its corporate offices present in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, the category of solutions that HID Global provides cuts across Access Control, Identity Management, Citizen ID, and RFID tracing, Monitoring, and Locating. Some of the company’s products include Biometric Readers and Modules, ePassports and eID Cards, RFID Tags and Beacons, and Ticket Readers and Validators. With these products and many more, HID Global serves organizations in Healthcare, Retail, Sports, and Education.
HORIBA RADIO LABORATORY was established in Japan in 1945 and has spent the last three-quarters of a century growing as an R&D company and engaged in international operations. HORIBA Scientific offers 200 years of experience developing high-performance scientific instruments and analytical solutions. The HORIBA Group of worldwide companies provides an extensive array of instruments and systems for applications ranging from automotive R&D, process and environmental monitoring, in-vitro medical diagnostics, semiconductor manufacturing, and metrology to a broad range of scientific R&D and QC measurements. Operating in Asia, Europe, and North and South America, HORIBA scientific develops solutions that go beyond just products.
Located in Austria and Germany, Ams-Osram is a sensor design and manufacturing company that specializes in compact form factors, low power, high sensitivity, and multi-sensor applications. They were established in 1981 and were formerly known as austriamicrosystems AG. In 2012 it changed its name to ams AG. They have a technology portfolio for sensing, lighting, and visualization, ranging from light emitters and optical components to micro-modules, integrated circuits, and related software. Their work develops technology for use in the consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive sectors.
DirectSens GmbH, founded in 2008 and based in Klosterneuburg, Austria, is a manufacturer of biosensors and other related products. The company specializes in the development and production of electrochemical sensors. Its products feature pH and dissolved oxygen sensors for bioprocessing and industrial applications. These sensors find extensive use in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and water treatment industries. DirectSens maintains industrial standards and holds ISO 9001 certification, ensuring the precision of its sensor products.
BBI Solutions, established in 1986 and headquartered in Cardiff, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer and supplier of gold nanoparticles. The company specializes in developing critical reagents, biomarkers, and diagnostic assays. Its product range includes gold reagents, antibodies, antigens, enzymes, and plasma. It also specializes in immunoassay development and supports diagnostic test manufacturers globally. The company’s solutions are applied in medical diagnostics, healthcare, and life sciences research. It adheres to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality certifications, ensuring the regulatory compliance of its products.
Hangzhou Freqcontrol Electronic Technology Ltd., founded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, in 2000 is a manufacturer of piezoelectric crystals and surface acoustic wave filters that are used in the telecommunications and frequency industries. The company's product portfolio includes Lithium Niobate Wafer (LN), Lithium Tantalate Wafers (LT), Piezo Single Crystal Blanks, Fused Silica & Quartz & Glass Wafers and Finished Saw Filters. Their products are used for signal picking up in Smart Mobile and Optical windows and 3G,4G, and 5G applications. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure.
Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Ebnat-Kappel, Switzerland. The company is a manufacturer of physical, chemical, and biological sensors that serve industries including automotive, fuel cell, renewable energy, and medical devices. The company has 4 product segments. Micro heaters are used for laser manufacturing, humidification, 3D printing, and other specialty uses. Customized sensor solutions are offered across many customer fields, and designed for quality, accuracy, and compatibility.
Integrated Biometrics, established in 2002 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a manufacturer of touchless identification SDK software and FBI-certified fingerprint sensors. The company’s products include scanners such as Sherlock, Watson mini, and Columbo, all certified by the FBI, and are used in law enforcement, military, and social services. Its patented light-emitting sensor film technology enables high-resolution scanning, even in challenging conditions like direct sunlight or moisture. The company’s software solutions, such as Slapshot SDK, empower smartphones to capture and process fingerprint images and offer convenient and secure mobile identity verification.
Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Ltd., founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is an electric component distributor that is ISO 9001 certified. The company stocks several components, including switches, capacitors, and resistors, which it sources from multiple manufacturers like Seiko Instruments, Inc., Renesas Electronics America, and Nuvoton Technology Corporation America. Depending on the size and configuration of the customer’s components, the company provides a full range of packaging services. It accepts single or multiple-part quotations, and its website allows customers to search hundreds of products ranging from ICs to computer accessories.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LifeSignals |
21.6%
|
| 2 | BioDot |
12.4%
|
| 3 | Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG |
8.9%
|
| 4 | Eastprint, Inc. |
8.6%
|
| 5 | DirectSens GmbH |
8.1%
|
| 6 | ams-OSRAM AG |
6.3%
|
| 7 | BBI Solutions |
6.0%
|
| 8 | Hangzhou Freqcontrol Electronic Technology Ltd. |
5.7%
|
| 9 | HORIBA |
4.8%
|
| 10 | HID Global |
4.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the biosensor page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 40.0% |
|
Austria
|
2 | 20.0% |
|
China
|
2 | 20.0% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 10.0% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 10.0% |
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