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Whole-cell-based biosensors for environmental biomonitoring and application
Man Bock Gu1, Robert J Mitchell, Byoung Chan Kim
1National Research Laboratory on Environmental Biotechnology, Kwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 1 Oryong-dong, Puk-gu, 500-712 Gwangju, Republic of Korea. mbgu@kjist.ac.kr
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|June 26, 2004
Summary
Whole-cell biosensors utilize reporter genes for gene expression monitoring. These biosensors are classified by expression type and applied to environmental monitoring for detecting various chemical stressors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- Whole-cell biosensors are engineered using native or recombinant cells.
- Reporter genes like bacterial luciferase and green fluorescent protein (GFP) are crucial for monitoring gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and applications of whole-cell biosensors.
- To discuss reporter gene selection, biosensor classification, and immobilization techniques.
- To highlight environmental monitoring applications for various chemical stressors.
Main Methods:
- Classification of biosensing cells into constitutive and inducible expression systems.
- Discussion of reporter gene characteristics (sensitivity, substrate requirements, online capabilities).
- Review of immobilization techniques for cell viability and high-throughput systems.
Main Results:
- Whole-cell biosensors require biosensing cells, a measurement device, and signal transduction.
- Immobilization techniques enhance biosensor development for high-throughput and chip-based systems.
- Biosensors are applicable to water, soil, and atmospheric monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Whole-cell biosensors offer versatile platforms for detecting environmental contaminants.
- Reporter gene choice and immobilization are key to biosensor performance.
- These biosensors are valuable tools for environmental stressor detection, including dioxins and endocrine disruptors.