The development of ocean sensors remains a ripe area for future
investigation from science, policy and systemsengineering standpoints.
Clearly, there are many options forrealizing integrated molecular
analytical sensing systems. The definition of key target molecules,
detection methodsand signal transduction models largely remain to be
determined.Moreover, there remains ahuge challenge of merging this new
class of instrument with different deployment platforms, and supplying
necessarypower and data telemetry infrastructure for their operation.
Molecular Biological Technologies for Ocean Sensing features methods
papers on the application of ecogenomic sensors on autonomous platforms
in the ocean. Topics include the use of ecogenomic sensors as a tool in
whole-cell and cell-free based detection and monitoring a suite of
pathogens and biotoxins that are of public health concern; documenting
species diversity, evolution and metabolic function; identification and
quantification of aquatic organisms; and inferring metabolic potential
and activities of microorganisms in the ocean. Each contribution focuses
on the (1) functional requirements for detecting specific microorganisms
and the genes that they harbor and express;(2) examples of research
activities that take advantage of molecular detection technologies;(3)
some of the challenges faced when projecting development and use of
novel instruments that will utilize molecular techniques onboard
autonomous platforms;and future directions. Bringing these advancements
on autonomous platforms, monitoring required sample collection and
processing schemes will differ from those currently used (i.e.
biomedical diagnostics). This book is the first of its kind to compile
current technologies for studying organisms in situ. It will aid in
transfer technology to oceanographers, ecologists, microbiologists, and
environmental scientists with needs for a remote, in-water sensing
capability and for integration with larger scale observatory operations.
With this network in place, there is a potential to bridge the gap among
regulatory agencies and academics about how this kind of technology can
be used for research and monitoring purposes.
