Arsenic is a natural environmental contaminant to which humans are routinely exposed and is strongly associated with human health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. To date, a number of biosensors for the detection of arsenic involving the coupling of biological engineering and electrochemical techniques has been developed. The properties of whole-cell bacterial or cell-free biosensors are summarized in the present review with emphasis on their sensitivity and selectivity. Their limitations and future challenges are highlighted.
Keywords: arsenite; methylarsenite (MAs(III)); monosodium methylarsenate (MSMA) herbicide; reduced roxarsone (Rox(III)); roxarsone (Rox(V)).