Biosensors in food processing.

Optical based sensing systems that measure luminescence,
fluorescence, reflectance and absorbance, etc., are
some of the areas of applications of optical immunosensors.
Immunological methods rely on specific binding of an antibody
(monoclonal, polyclonal or engineered) to an antigen.
Detection of specific microorganisms and microbial toxins
requires immobilization of specific antibodies onto a given
transducer that can produce signal upon attachment of typical
microbe/microbial toxins. Inherent features of immunosensors
such as specificity, sensitivity, speed, ease and on-site analysis
can be made use for various applications. Safety of food and
environment has been a major concern of food technologists
and health scientists in recent years. There exists a strong need
for rapid and sensitive detection of different components of
foods and beverages along with the food borne and water
borne pathogens, toxins and pesticide residues with high
specificity. Biosensors present attractive, efficient alternative
techniques by providing quick and reliable performances.
There is a very good potential for application of biosensors
for monitoring food quality and safety in food and bioprocessing
industries in India.