Cell-based biosensors

Different classes of cell-based biosensors are introduced. These include devices to measure cell-cell contact and set-ups to determine metabolic products. Main emphasis is put on sensors based on nerve-cell networks which are able to detect neuro-active compounds. The different experimental set-ups are explained and examples for typical applications are given. A main point concerns new achievements and prospects for future developments. Received: 26 August 1999 / Revised: 29 November 1999 / Accepted: 11 December 1999