Advances in pesticide biosensors: current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2013 Jan;405(1):63-90. doi: 10.1007/s00216-012-6299-6. Epub 2012 Aug 15.

Abstract

Public concern over pesticide residues has been increasing dramatically owing to the high toxicity and bioaccumulation effects of pesticides and the serious risks that they pose to the environment and human health. It is therefore crucial to monitor pesticide residues by using various analytical methods and techniques, especially highly sensitive, highly selective, simple, rapid, cost-effective, and portable ones. Biosensor strategies have become research hotspots and ideal candidates for pesticide detection, having such features as high sensitivity, fast response, robustness, low cost and miniaturization, as well as in situ and real-time monitoring. This review covers advances in the design and fabrication of biosensors for pesticide detection since 2005. Special emphasis is placed on the state-of-art selection of receptors, the use of different transduction techniques and fast screening strategies, and the application of various biosensors developed in food and environmental safety. Both advantages and drawbacks of these techniques are then summarized. Finally, challenges, strategies, and perspectives in further developing pesticide biosensors are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aryldialkylphosphatase / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzymes / chemistry
  • Equipment Design
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Models, Chemical
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Pesticide Residues / analysis*
  • Pesticides / analysis
  • Pesticides / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Enzymes
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Pesticide Residues
  • Pesticides
  • Aryldialkylphosphatase