Advancements and Prospects in DNA-Based Bioanalytical Technology for Environmental Toxicant Detection

Abstract

The mounting global crisis of environmental pollution necessitates transformative advances in analytical technologies that combine speed, precision, and field applicability. To meet this demand, next-generation analytical platforms must achieve seamless integration of two critical features: molecular-level recognition fidelity and reliable signal transduction. DNA nanotechnology leverages sequence-specific molecular recognition and programmable self-assembly to enable both natural (e.g., riboswitches) and synthetic (e.g., aptamers, DNAzymes) biosensing modalities. The structural programmability and predictable Watson–Crick base pairing of DNA provide a modular framework for designing next-generation biosensors with tunable specificity and sensitivity. When integrated with portable point-of-care (POC) platforms, these biosensing systems enable field-deployable, rapid, and operator-agnostic detection of toxicants across diverse matrixes, making them highly suitable for complex environmental monitoring tasks. This perspective highlights the potential and strategic approaches for constructing biosensors utilizing DNA-based recognition elements and structural materials. It explores the progress in field-deployable DNA-based biosensors, which are revolutionizing the on-site detection of environmental toxicants. We also discuss the current challenges and future perspectives for DNA-based biosensing systems in environmental pollution monitoring, offering insights into their broader applications.