A review of current advances in the detection of organophosphorus chemical warfare agents based biosensor approaches

Abstract This review encompasses a literature review of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and the attendant advantages and limitations of existing techniques (i.e. gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and ion mobility spectrometry) used for the detection of CWAs in previous decades. CWAs include the following agent classes i.e. nerve agents, blister agents, blood agents and incapacitating agents. Nerve agents are among the most toxic and have been used by certain military forces and terrorists in many conflicts and consequently have caused both death and disability to humans. Here, we focus on current developments in biosensor approaches used for the detection of organophosphorus CWAs, especially those that are able to overcome the limitations found in earlier detection techniques. The biosensor approach offers rapid, sensitive, selective, portable, simple and low-cost on-site detection capability that would meet the requirements for CWA detection in the event of future events. The future prospects and challenges of biosensor development for CWA detection is also discussed.