The utility of biosensors is no longer limited to clinical industries. Biosensors are now being used in agriculture, biotechnology, for military purposes, and in the detection and prevention of bioterrorism. The brain-child of Leland C. Clark, a biosensor is a device that detects, records and transmits information on the physiological change or presence of biological elements in an environment. It then converts a biological response into an electrical signal. Widely used in glucose monitors, biosensors are an integral part of several non-clinical industries as well. The global biosensor market for non-clinical applications was valued at $6.14 billion in 2015 and, according to analysts at Technavio, is expected to reach $10.62 billion in 2020, recording a CAGR of around 12%.
Non-clinical uses of biosensors
#1. Environmental monitoring
Growing environmental concerns have encouraged the development of devices that assist in determining the exact status of pollution so that the right kind of preventive solution can be found. BOD (biological oxygen demand) biosensors, gas biosensors, and immunoassay biosensors are being used for this very purpose. Typically a BOD test takes up to 5 days, but a BOD sensor takes just 15 minutes to detect organic pollution. Likewise, gas biosensors are used to detect poisonous gases like methane, sulphur dioxide, and carbon dioxide.
Simply put, biosensors help in providing faster and more accurate detection of environmental pollution.
#2. Agriculture
When it comes to agricultural land, biosensors are used to measure the levels of heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides in the soil and ground water. Biosensors also assist in forecasting the occurrence of diseases in the soil, which a number of other existing technologies fail to do.
#3. Food and beverage industry
In the food and beverage industry, biosensors are used for the detection of antibiotics in food, analysis of vitamin content, and tracking of freshness. Currently, biosensors are also being used for the detection of pathogens in meat. Even though hyperspectral imaging systems and radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags have created stiff market competition, the use of biosensors continues to increase thanks to the technology’s cost-effectiveness.
#4. Military and defence
With the emergence of bioterrorism as a major threat to humankind, biosensors have turned out to be a critical instrument in the defence sector given their ability to detect toxic gases, including chemical warfare agents. Biosensors can also be used to monitor soldiers’ health; they can observe reactions to dietary changes, environmental conditions, and exhaustion in order to optimize performance.
In addition to the applications mentioned, there is a possibility that biosensors will be used in space exploration. Biosensors are also used in several industries to monitor the pH level and temperature of gases in bioreactors. Further, because they help maintain optimal performance throughout the production process, biosensors increase product yield and improve overall product quality.
View the 2016-2020 Global Bio-Sensors Market for Non-Clinical Applications Report
