Bacteriophage-based biosensors for detection of pathogenic microbes in wastewater

Wastewater is discarded from several sources, including industry, livestock, fertilizer application, and municipal waste. If the disposed of wastewater has not been treated and processed before discharge to the environment, pathogenic microorganisms and toxic chemicals are accumulated in the disposal area and transported into the surface waters. The presence of harmful microbes is responsible for thousands of human deaths related to waterborn contamination every year. To be able to take the necessary step and quick action against the possible presence of harmful microorganisms and substances, there is a need to improve the effective speed of identification and treatment of these problems. Biosensors are such devices that can give quantitative information within a short period of time. There have been several biosensors developed to measure certain parameters and microorganisms. The discovered biosensors can be utilized for the detection of axenic and mixed microbial strains from the wastewaters. Biosensors can further be developed for specific conditions and environments with an in-depth understanding of microbial organization and interaction within that community. In this regard, bacteriophage-based biosensors have become a possibility to identify specific live bacteria in an infected environment. This paper has investigated the current scenario of microbial community analysis and biosensor development in identifying the presence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Automated summary

Wastewater from various sources can accumulate pathogenic microorganisms and toxic chemicals when discharged untreated into the environment, leading to waterborne contamination and human deaths. To address this issue, there is a need for faster identification and treatment of harmful microorganisms and substances. Biosensors are devices that can provide quantitative information quickly, and several have been developed for measuring parameters and microorganisms in wastewater. Bacteriophage-based biosensors offer the possibility of identifying specific live bacteria in infected environments. This paper investigates the current state of microbial community analysis and biosensor development for detecting pathogenic microorganisms.