New-age frontiers in enhancing the mobility of cell-based biosensors using drone technology

The application of cell-based biosensor technology has emerged as a cutting-edge tool in the domains of food safety, environmental monitoring and pharmaceutical research. These biosensors operate by detecting changes in cellular proliferation, gene expression and metabolic activity in response to environmental stimuli. They also play a promising role in the detection and recognition of infectious diseases in crops and livestock, in situ analysis of pollutants in crops and soils, real-time measurements of crucial food processing indicators, monitoring animal fertility and screening therapeutic drugs in veterinary research. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) offer significant potential to enhance the mobility and deployment efficiency of cell-based biosensors, enabling real-time, remote and large-scale environmental diagnostics. Various biosensor models, such as chemical, physical and optical, utilizing modified chemicals, nanomaterials, nutraceuticals and biocompatible molecules are increasingly being explored for integration into UAV platforms for applications, such as biosensing, bio-imprinting and in-field testing. This article summarizes the existing applications of bio sensors and explores the potential of bio sensors using drones, highlighting research directions aimed at advancing societal welfare.