Comparison with traditional analytical methods
The quantification of triacylglycerols (TAGs) has traditionally relied on high-precision instrumental methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and, in some cases, mass spectrometry (MS). These techniques provide excellent sensitivity and specificity, allowing accurate identification and quantification of the lipid species present in a sample. These approaches however demand high cost equipment, specialized operators, and considerable analysis time, which limits their applicability for rapid or frequent monitoring within biotechnological workflows. In addition, the need for extensive sample preparation limits their applicability for routine use beyond specialized laboratories.
The proposed colorimetric biosensor represents an innovative and complementary alternative to these conventional techniques: it enables the detection of TAGs in a simple, rapid, and low-cost manner, converting the presence of lipids into a colorimetric signal that can be directly observed by the naked eye or quantified using portable and easy-to-use devices.
This approach eliminates the need for complex instrumentation, reduces response times from hours to minutes, and allows the method to be applied directly in contexts with limited analytical resources.
In perspective, the biosensor does not fully replace chromatographic techniques, but complements them by providing an agile and accessible tool for preliminary screening, process optimization, and real-time monitoring of TAG production.
