Development of biosensors for the detection of contaminants of emerging concern

Abstract

In the present thesis work, two different biosensors are developed for use in the detection of contaminants of emerging concern in water. Specifically, the quantification of pharmacological compounds is desired since they are bioactive and have been shown to have harmful effects on aquatic organisms. The biosensors were developed using different approaches; one of them is an SPR-type optical biosensor that uses antibodies to perform the sensing, while the other is an enzyme-based electrochemical biosensor of the amperometric type. These biosensors were used for the detection of diclofenac and acetaminophen respectively, achieving detection limits that make them suitable for use in real samples. The electrochemical biosensor has the advantage of being a simpler and easier to use design; however, the optical biosensor achieved a lower detection limit due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. Both biosensors provide valuable information in the development of biosensors for environmental monitoring.