Clostridium Neurotoxins Detection Systems Based on Biosensors

Clostridium species can produce a wide variety of toxins. They block acetylcholine (ACh) release from presynaptic nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junctions. Botulinum neurotoxin is the deadliest toxin ever known to human knowledge. One of the most serious consequences of these toxins (BoNTA specifically) is flaccid muscle due to defective acetylcholine (ACh) release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as a noticeable clinical symptom, resulting in irreversible botulinum toxicity. Interestingly, cosmetic and therapeutic applications have also been described for this agent. Thus, an urgent need is felt for rapid, precise, and cost-effective detection and real-time monitoring of these toxins. Using biosensors such as optical biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, feedback control systems (FSC) and aptamers is a method for detecting BoNTs. Optical biosensors use optical transducers for detection, which consist of fluorescence biosensors and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors. Electrochemical biosensors are based on the principle of straight transduction of the reaction rate into a current. They consist of impedimetric, voltammetric, amperometric, and impedance spectroscopy biosensors. Aptamers are oligonucleotide derivatives isolated by the SELEX approach. Aptamers are highly specific, very cost-effective, and quick. In this review study, the most common and effective detection methods, including novel methods, have been described and discussed briefly. In this review, our focus was on the main concepts and applications that have been achieved up to this date to diagnose the in-field botulism.