polyimide laser-induced graphene. Further, these were modified with carbon nanotubes
and enzymes. This gave a power density of 4.7 µW/cm2 at 260 mV. Figure 22.6D is the
real image of their device reprinted [18]. The same author also developed a carbon cloth
electrode-based, enzymatic biofuel cell. This gave a power density of 24.8 µW/cm2 at
300 mV. Figure 22.6E is the reprint of their real image [19]. Jayapiriya et al. also developed
carbon paste electrodes fabricated with a PCB printer. Further, gold nanorods were im
mobilized on these to form enzymatic glucose biofuel cells. This gave maximum energy of
8.8 µW/cm2 [36]. Hence, printable and flexible biosensors, especially enzymatic and
microbial, have proven to be quite useful in energy-harvesting biofuel cell applications.
22.2.3 Applications in Environmental Monitoring
For spontaneous environmental monitoring, to measure the environmental impact load,
real-time, portable detection systems for field applications are crucial. These could reduce
the limitations like collection and logistics of a sample, handling, and other such issues. In
this context, printable and flexible biosensors have proven to be advantages. Quite a few
research groups have worked on developing these types of sensors for monitoring var
ious environmental parameters. McConnell et al. gave a detailed review of aptamer-based
biosensors for environmental parameters monitoring. The review covers various biosensors
reported for detection of microbial contamination, heavy metal, metal ions, toxins, in
dustrial waste, pesticides, pharmaceutical remains in water and soil [37]. Song et al. also
reported a detailed review about array-based biosensors using DNA-, enzyme-, aptamer-,
antibody-, and micro-organism-based bioreceptors [38]. Avramescu et al. reviewed gra
phite screen-printed biosensors for food and environment quality monitoring [39].
Honeychurch presented a view about screen-printed biosensors for metal pollutants de
tection [40]. Laschi et al. reviewed advances in disposable biosensors for the detection of
food and environmental pollutants [41]. In an interesting work, a microfluidic biochip was
developed by Brennan et al. Herein, fish cells of rainbow trout gill epithelial cells were
used as bioreceptors. These were used for the detection of pesticide toxicity for water
quality assessment [42]. Likewise, Lin et al. developed a screen-printed biosensor with a
combination of antibody and horseradish peroxide enzyme for selective detection of E. coli.
Carbon-based electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles were used as a matrix
to immobilize these antibodies [43]. In a remarkable work, Rupesh et al. reported a lab on a
flexible glove-based, printed biosensor. This had great stretchability and could be used as a
point of care wearable sensor. A carbon ink was screen printed over the glove as an electrode.
Similarly, Ag/AgCl ink was screen printed and used as a reference electrode. Over the
working carbon ink electrode, an enzyme organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH), was coated
as a bioreceptor. This enzyme was mixed with Nafion and this solution was coated. This was
utilized for the detection of organophosphate, a common pesticide. In further, this biosensor
was integrated with electrochemical analysis and wireless transmission of data via smart
phone. This could be used in food quality assessment [44].
Similarly, Tirgil et al. prepared an aptamer-based sensor using a single-walled carbon
nanotube matrix. This was used for the detection of an antibiotic, oxytetracycline, in
water samples. This is used as a medicine for pathogenic infection in livestock. Its por
table size, high stability makes it suitable for industry and real-time environmental ap
plications [45]. Huang et al. demonstrated an E. coli–detecting biosensor fabricated over
graphene matrix. The chemical vapor deposition method was adapted to form a film of
graphene. Over this, antibodies were immobilized. The device showed selective and
sensitive detection of E. coli with a low concentration of 10 cfu/mL. No interference from
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