Biochemical and clinical analysis by enthalpimetric measurements — a realistic alternative approach?

The contribution of enthalpimetric measurements to biochemical and clinical analysis is evaluated. After a brief discussion of instrumental considerations, non-enzymatic and enzymatic approaches to biochemical and clinical enthalpimetry are considered. The main focus of the review is on the incorporation of enzyme-catalyzed reactions with enthalpimetric measurements to provide analytical selectivity; determinations of enzyme activity, substrate concentration, inhibitor concentration and biochemical constants are discussed. Enthalpimetric devices based on immobilized enzyme technology, e.g. flow enthalpimeters and enzyme-coated thermistors and the latest technique to evolve, thermometric enzyme-linked immunoassay are treated separately. The advantages and limitations of enthalpimetry in these areas of analysis are discussed in the context of routine clinical analysis.