Bio-Recognition in Spectroscopy-Based Biosensors for *Heavy Metals-Water and Waterborne Contamination Analysis.

Aloisi Aloisi,Rinaldi Rinaldi,Della Torre Della Torre,De Benedetto De Benedetto

doi:10.3390/bios9030096

Abstract

Microsystems and biomolecules integration as well multiplexing determinations are key aspects of sensing devices in the field of heavy metal contamination monitoring. The present review collects the most relevant information about optical biosensors development in the last decade. Focus is put on analytical characteristics and applications that are dependent on: (i) Signal transduction method (luminescence, colorimetry, evanescent wave (EW), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), surface plasmon resonance (SPR); (ii) biorecognition molecules employed (proteins, nucleic acids, aptamers, and enzymes). The biosensing systems applied (or applicable) to water and milk samples will be considered for a comparative analysis, with an emphasis on water as the primary source of possible contamination along the food chain.

Highlights

Biosensors are currently valid tools, other than laboratory analytical instrumentation, for monitoring the quality of natural water [1]
Biosensors are not meant to take over standard analytical methods, but, when optimal features of a sensing device are met, they offer remarkable advantages over conventional techniques
Optical biosensors are a group of sensors in which (i) the transducer senses optical fluctuations in the input light resultant from bioreceptor—target interaction, and (ii) the amplitude of these changes hinge on the concentration of the analyte [1]

Summary

Introduction

Biosensors are currently valid tools, other than laboratory analytical instrumentation, for monitoring the quality of natural water (e.g., in the food production chain) [1]. In certain conditions, their promptness and low-cost manufacturing make them useful tools to analyze many samples for primary warnings. “a biosensor is an integrated receptor ± transducer device, capable of providing selective analytical information using a biological recognition element” [2]. Optical biosensors are a group of sensors in which (i) the transducer senses optical fluctuations in the input light resultant from bioreceptor—target interaction, and (ii) the amplitude of these changes hinge on the concentration of the analyte [1]. Metal ions are generally not essential nutrients; they could be damaging to all living species [4]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion