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| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|
| (i) React only to the available fraction of metal ions; | (i) The limited understanding of the biochemistry involved. |
| (ii) Are fast, less expensive, and less intensive labour; | (ii) Lack of genetic stability and short lifetime |
| (iii) Are compatible with and comparable to chemical analysis; | (iii) Cells require relatively long incubation time (usually longer than 30 min); |
| (iv) Are more sensitive than chemical methods; | (iv) Difficult reversibility of the signal |
| (v) Produces real-time data and can be applied in field work or in situ analysis; does not involve the bulky, fragile equipment, or specialized training; | (v) Experimental conditions (temperature, pH, incubation time, buffer, and reagents) can effects the luminescence production and thus the biosensor performances |
| (vi) They are more tolerant of suboptimal pH and temperatures than purified enzymes; | (vi) Less/limited of selectivity |
| (vii) Are cheaper to use because the active biological component does not have be isolated and because microorganisms are living, unlimited quantities can be prepared relatively inexpensive; | |
| (viii) Can provide information about the bioavailability of the analyte; | |
| (xi) May perform multi-step reactions since all reactions are conveniently packaged within the cell and thus, efficiently carried out. | |
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