Biosensors – An Emerging Technology for the Agricultural and Food Industry

A convenient, quick and cost-effective method to detect the presence of allergenic components and pathogens is one of the greatest challenges confronting the food processing industry. Biosensors are emerging as a highly promising tool for rapid diagnosis of pathogens and allergenic components in foods. Detection of contaminants, verification of product contents, product freshness and monitoring of raw materials conversion are the areas of potential biosensor applications. Biosensors can also be used to detect environmental pollutants, to determine the presence of pesticide residues in agricultural products and to monitor the plant and animal health. The aim of this study is to review the development, application and types, its current situation and future possibilities of biosensors in the food and agricultural industry.