In vivo, drug molecules interact with their biological targets (e.g., enzymes, receptors, ion channels, transporters), thereby eliciting therapeutic effects. Assays that measure the interaction between drugs and bio-targets may be used as drug biosensors, which are capable of broadly detecting entire drug classes without prior knowledge of their chemical structure. This Trends article covers recent developments in bio-target-based screening assays for detecting drugs associated with the following areas: illicit products marketed as dietary supplements, food-producing animals, and bodily fluids. General challenges and considerations associated with using bio-target assays are also presented. Finally, future applications of these assays for drug detection are suggested based upon current needs.
Keywords: Bioassays; Biosensors; Drug monitoring/drug screening; Enzymes; Pharmaceuticals; Receptors/ion channels.