Torulopsis candida based sensor for the estimation of biochemical oxygen demand and its evaluation

A universal biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor that can be used for the analysis of all types of organic pollutants is the objective of current researchers working in the area of biosensors. Development of such type of sensor involves the proper choice of a microorganism that can assimilate a wide spectrum of organic compounds. This study has led to the screening of many microorganisms and in this process we were able to identify Torulopsis candida as an attractive alternate for Trichosporon cutaneum. The BOD sensor employing T. candida was fabricated and evaluated in the batch mode as well as under flow conditions. The response time, linear range of estimation of BOD and storage life of the immobilized microbe and the assimilation spectrum have been studied.