Enzymatic Biotesting: Scientific Basis and Application
Elena N. Esimbekova, Irina G. Torgashina, Valeriya P. Kalyabina, Valentina A. Kratasyuk
Abstract
The paper provides a review of the current state of research in the field of biotesting, and the problems of environmental studies and ways to solve them are discussed. The basic principles and examples of using enzymes for detecting toxicants in various environmental samples are considered. Based on an analysis of numerous published data, the advantages and limitations, as well as the prospects for using enzymes for performing biotesting tasks, are assessed. A separate section of the review is devoted to bioluminescent enzymatic bioassays developed by the authors and successfully used for environmental monitoring of water, soil, and air. The necessity of developing a battery of enzymatic bioassays is substantiated. It allows one to have the most complete and accurate information about the degree of pollution of environmental objects.