ABSTRACT
Sensors integrated with nanostructures for biological variants detection are known as nanobiosensors. Nanostructures which possess novel features such as high aspect ratio, functionalized surface chemistry, optoelectronics properties and physicochemical characteristics make excellent sensitive layers. Compared to the typical sensors with a conventional transducing mechanism that show a lower limit of detection, well-designed nanobiosensors can be highly dependable and are ultrasensitive in detecting biological variations. Tailored nanomaterials developed using facile synthesis routes have been shown to improve selectivity, detection limit and long-term stability for target analytes monitoring even in sub-parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-parts-per-million (ppm) concentration ranges. Nanobiosensors have tremendous potential in the farming and food transportation sectors owing to their inexpensive operation and sensing principle occurring at the atomic and/or molecular scale, thus providing ample scope to understand changes taking place in plants, vegetables, fruits and other food items. Additionally, timely identification of indicators showing environmental or physiological stress in crops is imperative in the initial stages as it can reduce extensive damage and loss in yield. Recognition of indicating parameters through nanobiosensors can be done by understanding various types of modification and mutation generated in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ion exchange, mass transfer phenomenon, metabolism and so on. Moreover, nanobiosensors can further be used for agricultural applications such as intelligent farming and packaging using emerging platforms to advance productivity. The initial part of the review is focussed on the unmet needs and scope of biosensors in farming and food technology. Thereafter, attention is placed on understanding the biosensors, their classification, basic characteristics and types of nanomaterials used in biosensor fabrication. Lastly, a discussion about agricultural applications of nanobiosensor in disease diagnostics and food toxicity analysis is provided.
