Biosensors for Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) : Combating Antibiotic Abuse

This book proposes the most effective approach to avert AMR through the utilization of biosensors as a wastewater surveillance tool at the community level. It seeks to bridge the gap between two cutting-edge domains: the burgeoning field of biosensor technology and the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing challenges to global One Health in the 21st century. The pervasive misuse, overuse and abuse of antibiotics have augmented the emergence of resistant microbes, rendering once-effective therapeutics ineffectual. To address this crisis, novel strategies integrated with advanced technologies are urgently required to monitor antibiotic usage at the community level and mitigate the spread of resistance. Biosensors, characterized by their ability to detect specific molecules with high sensitivity and specificity, are crucial vectors for real-time/point-of-care monitoring of antibiotic consumption in various sectors, ranging from healthcare facilities and industrial utilizations to agricultural operations. By critically examining the principles of biosensors and revealing their prospective applications in antibiotic surveillance from wastewater, this book aims to postulate a comprehensive understanding of how radical technology can be harnessed to address a multifaceted One Health challenge. Throughout the book, readers will probe into the intricate mechanisms underpinning AMR through antibiotic abuse, gaining an understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of resistant bacteria and the selective pressures driving their proliferation. By further examining the broader societal implications of antibiotic abuse, this book aspires to catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration and foster dialogue among stakeholders invested in the fight against antimicrobial resistance using biosensors. It is an invaluable resource for graduate students in environment sciences, public health academics and policymakers.