Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, PO Box Isfahan 84156-83111, Isfahan-Iran

2 Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran

4 Faculty of Basic Sciences, Malayer International University, Hamedan

10.30498/ijb.2024.399314.3722

Abstract

Background: The early detection of infectious microorganisms is crucial for preventing and controlling the transmission of diseases. This article provides a comprehensive review of biosensors based on various diagnostic methods for measuring airborne pathogens.

Materials and methods: The study summarizes the research conducted on novel methods of detecting airborne microorganisms using different biological sensors, as well as the application of signal amplification technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoassay reactions, molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) technique, lectin and cascade reactions, and nanomaterials.

Results: Antibody and PCR detection methods are effective for specific microbial strains, but they have limitations including limited stability, high cost, and the need for skilled operators with basic knowledge of the target structure. Biosensors based on MIP and lectin offer a low-cost, stable, sensitive, and selective alternative to antibodies and PCR. However, challenges remain, such as the detection of small gas molecules by MIP and the lower sensitivity of lectins compared to antibodies. Additionally, achieving high sensitivity in complex environments poses difficulties for both methods.

Conclusion: The development of sensitive, reliable, accessible, portable, and inexpensive biosensors holds great potential for clinical and environmental applications, including disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and point-of-care testing, offering a promising future in this field. This review presents an overview of biosensor detection principles, covering component identification, energy conversion principles, and signal amplification. Additionally, it summarizes the research and applications of biosensors in the detection of airborne microorganisms. The latest advancements and future trends in biosensor detection of airborne microorganisms are also analyzed.

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