Sensors and biosensors in support of EU Directives

The use of biological data to complement chemical analysis and the development of biosensors and other biological approaches have grown steadily in recent years. Biomonitoring is an essential tool for the complete implementation of new European Union Directives (e.g., the Water Framework Directive and the related Marine Strategy Framework Directive). In addition, the unique properties of nanoscale materials offer excellent prospects for interfacing biological recognition events with electronic signal transduction and for designing a new generation of bioelectronic devices exhibiting novel functions. Recent technological developments in miniaturizing electronics and wireless-communication technology have led to the emergence of environmental sensor networks, which will greatly enhance monitoring of the natural environment and, in some cases, open up new techniques for taking measurements or allow previously impossible deployments of sensors. This article reviews the principles, the advantages and the limitations of biosensors for screening and diagnosis of organic compounds in the environment with special emphasis in those based on nanomaterials. it also reviews new technologies for remote biosensing. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.