A review on development of enzymatic biosensors for industrial applications

Abstract

Enzymatic biosensors are vital tools across various industries due to their high specificity, sensitivity, and rapid response times. They are extensively used in medical diagnostics for monitoring biomarkers like glucose and lactate, environmental monitoring to detect pollutants, food safety and quality assurance, bioprocess control in industrial fermentation, pharmaceutical drug development and quality control, soil health and agrochemical detection in agriculture, and for identifying biological warfare agents. However, several challenges limit their broader adoption and effectiveness in industrial settings. Key challenges include enzyme stability, as enzymes can denature under extreme environmental conditions, reducing sensor lifespan and performance. Variability in enzyme activity and immobilization techniques also leads to inconsistencies, affecting sensor reproducibility and reliability. Complex sample matrices, such as those in environmental and food samples, introduce interference that can affect sensor accuracy. Integrating biosensors into existing industrial processes is another significant challenge, requiring compatibility with automated systems and real-time data processing capabilities. Additionally, high production costs and scalability issues hinder widespread adoption. Regulatory and standardization barriers further complicate the development and deployment of enzymatic biosensors. Despite these limitations, advancements in materials science, nanotechnology, and bioengineering are paving the way for more robust and reliable biosensors. Innovations such as nanomaterial-based enzyme immobilization, synthetic biology for enzyme engineering, and advanced data analytics integration hold promise for overcoming current limitations. Collaborative efforts among researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies are essential to accelerate the development and application of enzymatic biosensors in industrial settings. While enzymatic biosensors offer significant potential, addressing these challenges through ongoing research and technological advancements is crucial for their widespread implementation and optimization.