In order to achieve the desired output range or to meet the target sensitivity, it may be necessary to adjust the sensitivity of the response to the input signal value. An appropriate setting of the control factors enables the slope of the linear function between the output response and the signal factor to be adjusted as required. The linear nature of the relationship between the output response and the input signal is readily visualized and simplifies the task of making the necessary adjustments to the input signal so as to produce the desired output. In considering dynamic relationships, the zero-point proportional equation provides a useful tool to adjust the output by changing the input signal factor. This equation expresses a simple linear relationship between the response, Y, the signal factor, M, and the error, �� [19], i.
e.Yijk=��iMj+��ijk(2)where the control factor is i = 1, 2, I, the signal factor is j = 1, 2, J, and the noise factor k = 1, 2, r0.F
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are commonly performed for fast screening of the samples. The advantage of immunoassays is that detection is finished in few hours and no special sample preparation is needed. ELISA has great selectivity and sensitivity, is easy to perform and offers the option of simultaneous detection of numerous samples. Many immunoassays for different toxic molecules have been developed [1,2]. Immunoassays can be linked with other methods like in botulinum toxin detection. Phillips and Abbott recently reported the use of an antibody-based assay similar to an ELISA but utilizing electrochemiluminiscent technology as an alternative to the mouse bioassay for testing food samples [3].
Micheli et al. constructed disposable electrochemical aflatoxin M1 immunosensors, which can combine the high selectivity of immunoanalysis with the ease of the electrochemical probes. The electrochemical immunosensors were fabricated by immobilising the antibodies directly on the surface of screen-printed electrodes, and allowing the competition to occur between free aflatoxin M1 and that conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme. The electrochemical technique chosen was chronoamperometry. A better detection limit Brefeldin_A and shorter analysis time were achieved in comparison to the classical spectrophotometric procedure [4].
Another immunosensor was developed for the detection of nitroaromatics and the pesticides diuron and atrazine. An analyte-specific antibody was immobilized on a gold surface of pyramidal structure inside an exchangeable single-use chip, which hosts also the enzyme-tracer and the sample reservoirs. The competition between the enzyme-tracer and the analyte for the antigen-binding sites of the antibodies finally yields a chemiluminescence signal that is inversely proportional to the concentration of analyte in the given range of detection [5].