Development of a fiber optic enzymatic biosensor for 1,2-dichloroethane

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• In situ monitoring of water contaminants is crucial.
• Existing methods for detecting 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) often require reagents or pretreatment.
• There is a need for rapid, continuous, and reagent-free water quality assessment tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a fiber optic biosensor for the in situ measurement of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) in aqueous solutions.
• To assess the performance characteristics of the biosensor, including sensitivity, response time, and reproducibility.
• To explore the potential of immobilized whole-cell biosensors for environmental monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a fiber optic biosensor utilizing whole cells of Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10, expressing haloalkane dehalogenase (DhlA).
• Immobilized the microbial biocomponent within a calcium alginate matrix at the tip of a fluoresceinamine-based pH optode.
• Tested the biosensor's ability to quantify 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) in aqueous samples under laboratory conditions.

Main Results:

• The developed biosensor successfully quantified 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) starting at 11 mg/l with a linear response up to 65 mg/l.
• The sensor achieved a total signal change within 8-10 minutes, demonstrating rapid detection capabilities.
• Measurements exhibited good reproducibility, with a standard error (SE) of less than 9%.

Conclusions:

• The fiber optic biosensor shows promise for the rapid, reagent-free, in situ detection of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) in water.
• The sensor's compact size, potential for remote operation, and cost-effectiveness support its further development for environmental monitoring.
• This approach offers a viable alternative to traditional analytical methods for water contaminant analysis.