Current Developments in Biosensors for Monitoring Environmental Quality: A Critical Review

The effective monitoring of environmental contamination demands the use of small, cost-effective, and rapid equipment, aligning with the prevailing trend in biosensor development for pollutant identification. This comprehensive overview succinctly summarizes recent developments in biosensor applications for detecting various environmental pollutants. Different kinds of biosensors are talked about, such as enzyme, antibody, aptamer, whole-cell, DNA-based, and biomimetic sensors. Their uses in finding contaminants and unique traits are also considered. The choice of the sensitive element significantly influences selectivity and detection limits. Notably, biomimetic biosensors are gaining popularity due to their superior performance. This manuscript further delves into the applications of biosensors in monitoring specific environmental pollutants, including biochemical oxygen demand, pesticides, phenols, heavy metals, and polluting gases. It highlights the critical role biosensors play in real-time monitoring and early detection of environmental hazards. The integration of nanotechnology techniques and materials in biosensors is explored, focusing on key materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, quantum dots, and chitosan. The synergy of nanotechnology and biosensors enhances sensitivity, selectivity, and overall performance. Future perspectives stress the need for ongoing research to create strong biosensing devices that can find contaminants in complex mixtures without having to prepare samples in great detail. The continual pursuit of knowledge remains paramount for advancing environmental monitoring technology to new heights and ensuring a sustainable and ideal environment.