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Detection of physiologically active compounds using cell-based biosensors
D A Stenger1, G W Gross, E W Keefer
1Center for BioMolecular Science and Engineering, Code 6910, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA. das@cbmse.nrl.navy.mil
Trends in Biotechnology
|July 14, 2001
Summary
Portable cell-based biosensors use living cells to detect environmental threats like toxicants and pathogens. Advances in stem cell and 3D culture technologies enhance their field applicability for broad-range threat detection.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Cell-based biosensors are portable devices utilizing living cells for monitoring.
- They detect physiological changes triggered by environmental factors such as toxicants and pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential and advancements in cell-based biosensor technology.
- To highlight applications in environmental monitoring and threat detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing living cells as sensing elements.
- Employing detection methods like extracellular electrical recordings and optical measurements.
- Leveraging emerging technologies such as stem cell and 3D culture.
Main Results:
- Technical developments are enhancing the feasibility of cell-based biosensors for field use.
- These biosensors offer potential for broad-range detection of unknown agents.
- Functional assessment of identified agents is another key application.
Conclusions:
- Cell-based biosensors are evolving into practical tools for environmental monitoring.
- Stem cell and 3D culture technologies are crucial for advancing field applications.
- Future applications include detecting unknown threats and assessing agent functionality.