Chapter 4 - Biosensors for bacteria detection

Abstract

The development of economical, rapid, and sensitive methods for bacteria detection is of great significance for biomedical diagnosis, environmental monitoring as well as to ensure food safety and public health. Although conventional methods for bacteria detection such as cell culture and microscopic examination are widely used, most of them lack sensitivity and specificity, are time- and cost-consuming, and require skilled technicians and central laboratories, limiting their wide applications especially in resource-limited regions. In recent years, biosensors have become a promising alternative to conventional methods for bacteria detection, which can convert biological or chemical signals into measurable electrical signals, with the advantages of affordability, rapidity, and sensitivity. This chapter presents an overview of biosensors for bacteria detection. First, whole-cell biosensors for bacteria detection are presented. Then the introduction of nanomaterials to biosensors for bacteria detection is discussed. The applications of various biosensors for bacteria detection are subsequently introduced, including optical, electrochemical, and mechanical biosensors. This chapter also covers integrated biosensing platforms for multiplexed bacteria detection and provides a discussion of the challenges and perspectives of biosensors for bacteria detection as well as the applications for food safety, clinical diagnosis, drug development, and environmental monitoring.