Fiber optic biosensors for environmental monitoring

During the most recent decades, biosensors, more and more, have been entering into our lives. Despite many advantages (e.g., efficient and precise determination of all the toxicants in a sample) of analytical methodologies, whole-cell fiber optic biosensors have expanded the creation of cheaper, simpler, field operative devices. In addition to the many advantages (e.g., low price, optical measurement sensitivity, distance sensibility capabilities and absence of electrical interference) of the fiber optic transducers, the main advantage of whole-cell biosensors is the capability not only to detect the presence of bioactive compounds but also to determinate their toxic effects. In some cases it may be more important information than just determination of the presence of toxicants in the environment. This chapter will review the recent advantages in whole-cell fiber optic biosensors used for monitoring air, water, and earth toxicity.