Bioreporters have been widely acknowledged to represent new and novel approaches in applied microbiology. Despite a plethora of constructions covering a diverse range of detection devices and host organisms, genuine applications are rare. Here, their application in the areas of general environmental microbiology, analytical detection and bioremediation are summarised and critically considered. Future applications require a more integrated approach such that those constructing bioreporters are aware of the needs of the end-user. A decade ago, predictions were made of the pivotal role of bioreporters and our future reliance; this fortune telling may take another decade to reach fruition.
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