Introduction

Rapid advancements in micro- and nanotechnologies have paved the way for the development of cell-/molecule-based biosensors at the micro/nano scale by providing novel micro/nano transducers and the integration of them with cells/molecules. In the recent decades, the integration of cells/molecules with micro/nano devices for the development of novel sensors with unique functions has attracted intensive interest and substantial research efforts. Exciting progress has been achieved due to the combination of micro/nano fabrication technologies with biotechnologies, which introduced new concepts and scientific paradigms to this area. Fast advancements in micro/nano structured devices are providing unprecedented opportunities to couple the devices with functional cells/molecules for the development of next generation of cell and molecular sensors. Micro/nano devices with novel designs at the micro/nano scale make it possible to integrate functional cells/molecules onto transducers with high efficiency and a negligible loss of functionality, which can improve the performances of sensors for the detection of responsive signals. Micro/nano cell and molecular sensors have become increasingly important and have found wide applications in a variety of areas. The topics covered by this book provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of micro/nano cell and molecular sensors as well as their future trend of development, which will be of great interest to the interdisciplinary research community active in this area. In this chapter, we will introduce the definition, characteristics, and types of micro/nano cell and molecular sensors.