Affiliation:
1. Ethiraj College for Women, India
Abstract
This chapter discusses the role of whole-cell biosensors in monitoring the impact of human advancements on the environment, leading to an imbalance that threatens ecosystems. Biosensors are cost-effective devices known for their specificity, sensitivity, and portability. The advancement in biosensors includes using genetically engineered microbial cells as whole-cell biosensors. These manipulated cells respond to external stresses, making them effective tools for detecting pollutants. The stress-response mechanisms of bacterial species are harnessed for environmental monitoring. The customizable nature of whole-cell biosensors is displayed in the text, and it also discusses applications such as water contamination detection and the design of engineered bacterial cells. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of whole-cell biosensors, their principles, and their applications in addressing environmental issues in air, water, and soil pollution.