Photosynthetic electron transport biosensor

Compared with classical analytical methods such as gas chromatt raphy, HPLC, atomic absorption or mass spectrometry, the detection of pollutants by biosensors is generally less specific. These devices provide valuable information on a class of pollutants rather than a mere information about a specific compound, although the use of mutants that are resistant to specific pollutants can render them more selective. Biosensors provide valuable information about the real biological effects of the pollutants in a sample since phytotoxicity is determined from the measurement of electron transport activity, photocurrent or photosynthetic oxj en evolution. It is important to note that althoi the PSII complex is sensitive to various pollutants (herbicides, heavy metals, sulphites, nitrates, carbonates), its susceptibility to these compounds is highly variable, tanging from nanomolar to milhmolar concentrations. 

---