Overview of Optical Sensors for Tracing Various Biological Virus and Bacteria Used in Bio-War

Biological weapons like fungi, bacteria, virus, and organism based toxic substances have frequently been put to use to disseminate diseases and cause mass destruction known as Biological warfare. Tools like Chromatography, PCR and mass spectrometry have been popularly used in military and civil laboratories to detect disease causing pathogens; the potential commercial biosensors as a counter measure defense to biological war have been substantially under-utilized, even though recent biosensors have been proved promising in various bio-sensing applications. Practically biosensors are a best choice for its cost, simplicity and portability. Additionally, advanced bio-sensing techniques like quantum dots, aptamers, 3d printed materials, and magnetic micro and Nano particles have been considered as promising for both viral and bacterial detection, they need to be conditioned for detecting biological war agents. The paper provides an updated comprehensive knowledge on the requirements and goals of clinical laboratories during a bio-war, potential use of biosensors for advanced viral and bacterial detection and potential limitations for use, countermeasures, advancements and best practices. The paper also provides future bio-agent detection strategies to automate biosensors as advanced detection and quantification tools during bio-wars.