Acetylcholinesterase-based biosensing solutions for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides

Numerous biosensing configurations have been researched for detection of organophosphorus pesticides in agricultural and household applications. Selectivity for the specific insecticide, sensitivity and low detection limit being the main challenges gives a great potential to targeted enzymatic biosensors. Acetylcholinesterase is being employed in receptors, because organophosphorus pesticides, such as malathion, display inhibitory effect towards it. Proteins within other structures can have decreased activity, be contaminated, denatured or have a diffusion barrier resulting in reduced interaction with the analyte. Choice of the immobilization method for the enzyme may be the most important aspect in the development of electrochemical biosensor. Numerous acetylcholinesterase based biosensing solutions for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides have been reviewed.