Microbial Biosensors: Design, Types and Applications

A biosensor is a device that combines biological molecules as the recognition element with a physical transducer to produce quantitative or semi-quantitative analytical data matching the target concentration. By leveraging the high specificity and intimate interaction between biological molecules and the target substances, numerous studies have been conducted to develop biosensors with better accuracy and sensitivity. These sensors recognize substances using whole cells, different antibody combinations, DNA, RNA, enzymes, or receptor proteins. Whole-cell biosensors are a good alternative to enzyme-based biosensors since they have higher stability and cheaper costs. Live cells have recently been employed as biosensors for a range of purposes. The most common microorganisms employed as recognition elements are yeast and bacteria. Because of their variety and capacity to survive in challenging circumstances, these microbes are becoming more and more relevant as potential biosensors. Based on the transducer types used in optical, electrochemical, and microbial fuel cells, microbial biosensors are divided into different categories. The choice of microbes and their immobilization on the transducer via chemical and physical techniques are crucial stages that need to be taken for the applications of biosensors.