Revolutionizing Food Safety and Crop Production: Harnessing Novel Biosensors

Rabeen Abdul Gafoor *

College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656, India.

Sharu S.R.

College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656, India.

Shalini Pillai P.

College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656, India.

Usha C. Thomas

College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656, India.

Gayathri G.

College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656, India.

Pratheesh P. Gopinath

College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Farmers and food manufacturers are under immense pressure from consumers and food safety regulations to deliver pollutant-free, high-quality foods. The extensive use of chemicals in food production poses ecological as well as health risks. In order to meet the demand for safe, preservative-free foods, rapid sensing techniques are required. Traditional analysis methods are time consuming, laboratory bound, expensive and require highly skilled personnel. Alternative analysis systems such as biosensors, which are user-friendly and enable real-time monitoring in the field should also be used. Biosensors have been developed to detect foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, etc. that cause food contamination, and a large number of cases are reported annually. Mycotoxin-contaminated food presents a serious threat to food safety. Biosensors have been utilised to identify Penicillium and aflatoxin infections, which are major mycotoxins found in food. Additionally, biosensors for identifying artificially ripened fruits have also been developed. Biosensors have been developed to detect pesticide residues such as atrazine, glyphosate, 2,4-D, methyl parathion, lindane, etc. Early identification of plant pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is crucial because it enables farmers to take the necessary precautions to control the disease. Pathogens such as Fusarium sp., Phytophthora palmivora, tomato leaf curl virus are among some of the pathogens that have been successfully detected using novel biosensors. They can also be used for detecting heavy metals as they are cheaper, faster, more reliable and selective than traditional analysis methods. A bacterial biosensor was developed using Bacillus megaterium, which was sensitive to heavy metals like cadmium, copper and zinc in soil. Additionally, biosensors have been developed to detect heavy metal pollution in plants as well as irrigation water.

Keywords: Biosensor, food safety, pollution, disease detection, heavy metal detection, pesticide residue


How to Cite

Gafoor, Rabeen Abdul, Sharu S.R., Shalini Pillai P., Usha C. Thomas, Gayathri G., and Pratheesh P. Gopinath. 2024. “Revolutionizing Food Safety and Crop Production: Harnessing Novel Biosensors”. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology 27 (10):157-77. https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2024/v27i101440.