Biosensors: a new realism.

For many years biosensors have been hailed as the solution to many analytical problems. There is general agreement that biosensors offer the potential for easy-to-use, low-cost, rapid analysis. With such versatile, economic, reliable and cheap analytical devices at their disposal, manufacturers in industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, food and drink, medical diagnostics and defence must surely be reaping vast profits from their biosensor-based products? In fact, biosensors have made only a very modest impact and this article attempts to present a realistic review of their current commercial potential. Consideration is given to the features and benefits of biosensors, the potential application markets, the impact of legislation, the needs of the user and the real commercial potential in the light of these factors and the existing competition.