Integrating Biosensors in Phytochemical Research: Challenges and Breakthroughs

Biosensors are devices that generate signals by interaction of biological elements and analytes, mainly based on their concentration. These are especially composed of enzymes or antibodies. They are associated with a physio-chemical transducer. Their rapid, simple, and real-time detection is of great importance in chemistry, analysis, and drug discovery and development. Phytoconstituents are biologically active compounds mainly synthesized by plants to support their growth and defend against various stresses. Medicinal plants and their products have a vast history of use in traditional medicine, but they are not reliable due to their narrow range and adverse and toxic effects. Moreover, they have vast therapeutic effects on humans, from antibiotics to anti-neoplastic agents. Hence, there is a need for an efficient method to detect and measure these phytoconstituents, and biosensors seem to be the solution. This article provides an overview of various biosensors that can be utilized to identify widely used phytoconstituents, also known as secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and phenolic compounds. The article discusses different types of biosensors, including impedimetric immunosensors, Riboswitch-based biosensors, DNA biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, and others. Furthermore, the potential for patentable innovations in biosensor technologies targeting phytoconstituent detection is also highlighted, emphasizing their growing relevance in both scientific research and commercial applications.