Biosensors are devices that combine a biological material with a suitable platform for detection of pathogenic organisms, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or toxic chemicals or for reporting a biological effect. In recent years, an enormous number of different types of biosensors have been constructed and developed for several medical applications. The reason for that was primarily due to the numerous advantages and applications that can be offered by biosensors. This review article has been started with demonstrating the power of biosensor technologies versus analytical and conventional techniques. Subsequently, more emphasis has been added on the classification and the role of biosensors in several medical applications such as detection and monitoring of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals, reporting of endocrine disrupting compounds, and detection of pathogenic organisms. The most common reporter genes used in biosensors engineering and construction have also been summarized. Prospective strategies and recommendations for the future construction of biosensors have been highlighted.
Keywords: Bioassays; Biofilms; Bioluminescence; Bioreporters; Biosensors; Carcinogenicity; DNA Aptamer; EDCs; Genotoxicity; Immunosensors; Microfluidic; Nanobiotechnology; Pathogenic Microorganisms; Reporter Genes; Reporter Phage; SOS-lux; organ-on-a-chip.
© 2017 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.