Nanoparticle-based biosensors for detection of heavy metal ions

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems in the world. Many efforts have been made to develop biosensors for monitoring heavy metals in the environment. Development of nanoparticle-based biosensors is the most effective way to solve this problem. This review presents the latest technology of nanoparticle-based biosensors for environment monitoring to detect heavy metal ions, which are magnetic chitosan biosensor, colorimetric biosensor, and electrochemical biosensor. Magnetic chitosan biosensor acts as a nano-absorbent, which can easily detect and extract poisonous heavy metal ions such as lead ions and copper ions. There are several methods to prepare the chitosan based on the nanoparticle, which are cross-linking, co-precipitation, multi-cyanoguanidine, and covalent binding method. In colorimetric biosensor, gold and silver nanoparticles are commonly used to detect the lead and mercury ions. In addition, this biosensor is very sensitive, fast and selective to detect metal ions based on the color change of the solution mixture. Meanwhile, electrochemical biosensor is widely used to detect heavy metal ions due to a simple and rapid process, easy, convenient and inexpensive. This biosensor is focused on the surface area, which leads to significant improvement in the performance of devices in terms of sensitivity. The wide surface area can affect the performance of the biosensor due to a limited space for operation of electrode. Therefore, reduced graphene oxide is a suitable material for making the electrochemical biosensor due to a wide surface area, good conductivity and high mechanical strength. In conclusion, these three technologies have their own advantages in making a very useful biosensor in the detection of heavy metal ions.