Enzyme Biosensors Based on Enzyme Inhibition for Pesticide and Heavy Metal Detection

A biosensor is an analytical apparatus, which connects a biologically sensitive and selective component and a physiochemical transducer. Biologically sensitive elements include organisms, tissues, cells, etc. and the transducer includes electrochemical, optical, thermal or mechanical signals which are received and converted into a measurable signal. There are different categories of biosensors based on the principle of working. Some of them are electrochemical, amperometric, thermometric, optical, microbial and immunosensors. Biosensors are broadly used in different areas like the food industry, fermentation industry, pharmaceutical industry, etc. The present chapter explains the use of different types of biosensors which are based upon enzyme inhibition, as an investigative and diagnostic tool. Some of the enzyme inhibitors such as pollutants are strongly associated with human as well as environmental health, so these have to be monitored with strong significance. Thus enzyme inhibition based enzyme biosensors will be a precious tool for very fast performing and accurate for the above applications.

Keywords: Biosensor, Enzyme inhibition, Environmental applications, Heavy metals, Inhibitors, Pollutants.