Authors: Tejas Naidu
Abstract: The integration of nanotechnology with microbial biosensing systems has opened new avenues for precise, real-time ecological monitoring. Conventional environmental assessment techniques often fall short in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and speed, necessitating the development of more responsive and cost-effective alternatives. Microbial biosensors—living biological systems capable of detecting environmental pollutants—have emerged as promising tools due to their specificity, adaptability, and self-replicating nature. The incorporation of nanomaterials into these biosensors enhances their functional properties, including signal transduction, stability, and miniaturization. This review explores the synergy between nanotechnology and microbial biosensing, focusing on the design, mechanisms, and applications of nanotechnology-assisted microbial biosensors in ecological monitoring. Key developments in nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, and nanocomposites are discussed in the context of their role in improving biosensor performance. The review also highlights the environmental pollutants targeted by these biosensors—ranging from heavy metals and pesticides to endocrine disruptors and greenhouse gases—and evaluates their deployment in field settings. Challenges related to biosafety, scalability, and regulatory frameworks are analyzed alongside future research directions. By merging microbial intelligence with nanotechnological precision, this emerging technology offers transformative potential in promoting environmental sustainability and public health.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.61137/ijsret.vol.8.issue6.571
