Biomarker for the toxicity evaluation of cadmium based on Glutathione: Recent Progress and challenges

Abstract

There is growing global concern regarding the prevalence of heavy metal ions, such as cadmium, which pose increasing risks to both the environment and human health. Exposure to metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese, can result in serious neurological impairments, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and olfactory dysfunction, particularly affecting olfactory neurons. Recent research has focused on developing accurate and precise methods for detecting Cd, as there is an increasing demand for cost-effective, sensitive, specific, and rapid detection techniques. One promising approach is the use of glutathione (GSH) biomarker, which offer timely, affordable, and user-friendly detection. These biomarkers have been integrated with various transducers such as electrochemical, optical, and fluorescent platforms to enhance detection sensitivity. Electrochemical biosensors leverage the redox properties of GSH to achieve low detection limits and quick response times, whereas optical biosensors rely on the GSH-Cd²⁺ complexation process to produce observable spectral changes. Fluorescent biosensors utilize GSH-mediated fluorescence quenching or amplification to detect trace amounts of Cd with high sensitivity. To address the challenges in detection, researchers are exploring the use of nanomaterials to enhance signal transmission and sensor durability, as well as to incorporate selective membranes to improve specificity. GSH-based biosensors are continuously evolving and hold promise for applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical fields, with the aim of identifying the health risks associated with Cd exposure.