Live-Cell Systems in Real-Time Biomonitoring of Water Pollution: Practical Considerations and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Continuous monitoring and early warning of potential water contamination with toxic chemicals is of paramount importance for human health and sustainable food production. During the last few decades there have been noteworthy advances in technologies for the automated sensing of physicochemical parameters of water. These do not translate well into online monitoring of chemical pollutants since most of them are either incapable of real-time detection or unable to detect impacts on biological organisms. As a result, biological early warning systems have been proposed to supplement conventional water quality test strategies. Such systems can continuously evaluate physiological parameters of suitable aquatic species and alert the user to the presence of toxicants. In this regard, single cellular organisms, such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, micro-algae and vertebrate cell lines, offer promising avenues for development of water biosensors. Historically, only a handful of systems utilising single-cell organisms have been deployed as established online water biomonitoring tools. Recent advances in recombinant microorganisms, cell immobilisation techniques, live-cell microarrays and microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip technologies open new avenues to develop miniaturised systems capable of detecting a broad range of water contaminants. In experimental settings, they have been shown as sensitive and rapid biosensors with capabilities to detect traces of contaminants. In this work, we critically review the recent advances and practical prospects of biological early warning systems based on live-cell biosensors. We demonstrate historical deployment successes, technological innovations, as well as current challenges for the broader deployment of live-cell biosensors in the monitoring of water quality.

Molecular phenotyping uncovers differences in basic housekeeping functions among closely related species of hares (Lepus spp., Lagomorpha: Leporidae)

“…Somatic cells derived from wild animals can be useful models for ecological studies as they may reveal differential susceptibilities of species to toxic pollutants present in their natural habitat (Chen et al, 2009). Fish gill cell culture systems, for example, are used for environmental monitoring of water pollution (Wlodkowic & Karpinski, 2021). Cell lines can also inform about zoonotic diseases (Kapczynski et al, 2022) or host–parasite interactions (Cano et al, 2019), reducing the need for animal experimentation.…”

Blockchain Technology and Sanitary Aspects of the Water Supply

“…Another group of rapid methods with the ability for real-time monitoring use biosensors, devices with biological molecules or organisms in the detector -antibodies, receptors, enzymes, nucleic acids, living cells or organisms, etc. (Wlodkowic and Karpiński, 2021). They detect and quantify the presence of specific types of bacteria by metabolic byproducts (Gerhardt, 2006).…”

Amelioration in nanobiosensors for the control of plant diseases: current status and future challenges

“…Due to its high integration, multiplexing capabilities, exceptional sensitivity, and quick reaction compared to other technologies, nano-mechanical sensors have generated much attention among developing technologies (Pujol-Vila et al, 2020). Nanobiosensors, a novel class of sensors, have exceptional abilities in detecting microbial contamination by tracking a wide range of variables, including temperature, humidity, gas composition, and microbial agents (Willner and Vikesland, 2018;Wlodkowic and Karpiński, 2021). By seamless integration into food packaging materials, nanomaterials can enable the continuous and real-time monitoring of food quality and safety, which can transform food safety (Wlodkowic and Karpiński, 2021).…”

“…Nanobiosensors, a novel class of sensors, have exceptional abilities in detecting microbial contamination by tracking a wide range of variables, including temperature, humidity, gas composition, and microbial agents (Willner and Vikesland, 2018;Wlodkowic and Karpiński, 2021). By seamless integration into food packaging materials, nanomaterials can enable the continuous and real-time monitoring of food quality and safety, which can transform food safety (Wlodkowic and Karpiński, 2021). Nano-mechanical sensors have successfully detected numerous pollutants in water, including bacteria, in practical applications (Salouti and Khadivi Derakhshan, 2020).…”