Conclusion

In the environment, physico-chemical characterization remains the predominant method. However, in view of the diversity of molecules encountered, it is becoming increasingly complex and costly to set up measurement campaigns enabling global characterization of the matrices studied (techniques costly in terms of equipment and qualified personnel). Added to this are questions relating to the effects of the molecules present on living organisms (toxicity, persistence, bioavailability), which are not addressed by these approaches.

Biosensor technologies therefore complement these methods. These technologies differ in terms of the recognition mechanisms involved, and the associated transduction modalities. As a general rule, biosensors based on DNA or protein recognition have been developed to detect and rigorously quantify the total fraction of certain pollutants in...