A biosensor with genetically modified bacteria immobilized on a fiber and a glass slide

“To prevent contamination peaks that reach drinking water production, inlet points for surface water are monitored for the presence of contaminants. The currently applied routine chemical analysis, albeit useful in many ways, gives no indication of the toxicity of pollutants and may miss unknown compounds that are harmful at low levels. Biomonitors, such as algae and daphnia, do detect certain toxic compounds timely [1]. However, many harmful compounds that are very relevant from a human perspective, such as genotoxicants, cannot be measured by biomonitors. What is missing is an online system that sensitively and in real time detects compounds in water that are potentially harmful for human consumers.”

(Citaat: Woutersen, M., van der Gaag, B., Mink, J., Marks, R.S., Brouwer, B., Heringa, M.B. – A biosensor with genetically modified bacteria immobilized on a fiber and a glass slide – In: Design, contruction, and implementation (Editor G. Thouand, R.S. Marks) Chapter 6)