Integrated Microfluidic Biosensor Platforms for Bioanalytical and Environmental Applications

Biosensor technology had evolved for the easy detection of harmful trace elements at sensitive and easy mode of detecting. Recent innovations of lab on chip micro-devices integrated with nanomaterial based biosensor applications made more convenient for environmental analyses on site, which is very much needed for initiating remedial treatment. Current technological advancements in fields of nanomaterial science, nanoparticles design and microfluidics along with microelectronics for accuracy have radically shaped biosensor usage and also offer potential scope in monitoring of environment for harmful elements. As environmental pollution is exponentially increasing with release of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals and xenobiotic due to the global economic expansion and also industrial development, there exists a potential threat to environmental ecosystems. There arise a significant pollution problems persist for every country considering hazardous compounds are serve as an important risk for the food security, environmental, ecosystem resilience and human health. These alarming conditions eventually lead for a dire necessity for onsite low cost biosensors, which doesn’t need any professional aid. This demand for miniaturized version of biosensors to design as per need includes a combination of sample suitable fabrication methods, fast testing, automation and portability which is user-friendly system platforms for the field of high-throughput analysis and detection a single to multiple analyte testing. The aim of this chapter is to provide a detailed overview of the current technologies for the development of biosensors with a microfluidic approach to monitor hazardous chemicals even at trace amounts. Even shedding light on challenges faced by ever growing new bio-analytes and design of specific sensor systems with perfect material and methods involved. This study also reports extensive information about the innovative and futuristic technologies that employ nonmaterial based microfluidics integrated biosensors for effective bioanalytical and environmental applications.