Whole cell biosensing: From new applications to novel sensing technology

Abstract

Living mammalian cells are considered to be the best alternative to animal tests, for the prediction of in vivo effects. Therefore, they are widely applied as effect sensors in (eco)toxicology, drug screening and food quality control. Aside from their application as effect sensors, increasing knowledge on cell receptors and their signaling pathways have enabled the development of targeted whole cell sensors, often reporter gene assays, for the detection of specific molecules or groups of (structurally related) molecules. Their capacity to react to very small concentrations of certain molecules (into the attomolar range) makes them excellent tools for detection of molecules in bodily fluids, allergens in foods and toxins in diluted water or soil samples. Cell based sensors are limited to the cell’s natural targets, as opposed to affinity sensors, which are capable of detecting a much wider range of molecules, as long as a suitable affinity molecule (such as an antibody) exists.