Biosensors for waterborne viruses: Detection and removal

Detection of waterborne viruses is important to eliminate and control their harmful effect as pathogens. Hence, the use of rapid and sensitive detection technologies is critically important as they can aid in investigating outbreaks and help in developing prevention strategies. To date range of viruses can contaminate drinking water sources, causing illnesses such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and gastroenteritis which can result in death. Due to their small size (nm) their complete removal from water can be difficult with current water treatment processes while being resistant to disinfectants. Available techniques for virus detection include filtration technologies, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and polymerase chain reaction. Although each technique has limitations, the use of biosensor technology with smart affinity materials and nanomaterials can show great potential in sensing viruses in water samples. This review reports on the latest technologies used for waterborne virus removal and detection with focus on rapid detection using biosensors.