Current progress in the development of biosensors based on nanomaterials for the detection of inorganic arsenic

Inorganic arsenic has toxicity to animals, plants, and humans, which is often detected over environmental limits. The development of fast, accurate, and convenient methods for its detection is therefore of utmost importance. Biosensors based on nanomaterials have emerged as a promising tool for the detection of inorganic arsenic due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, and portability. This review covers the current progress in the development of biosensors based on nanomaterials for the detection of inorganic arsenic. According to different transducers, various biosensors (e.g., electrochemical biosensors, fluorescent biosensors, and colorimetric biosensors) are summarized in the aspect of their construction, mechanism, nanomaterials modification, and applications. The combination of biosensors and microfluidics for the detection of inorganic arsenic was analyzed. Moreover, the underlying problems and outlook are proposed to further advance the development of biosensors for the detection of inorganic arsenic. In summary, this review provides valuable insights into the design and development of novel biosensors for the detection of inorganic arsenic, which can contribute to the protection of the environment and human health.