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Published on: September 17, 2017
[Acute toxicity analysis performance of CellSense biosensor with E. coli]
Xue-Jiang Wang1, Hong Wang, Jian-Fu Zhao
1State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China. wangxj@mail.tongji.edu.cn
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|June 24, 2009
Summary
This study developed E. coli microbial electrodes for the CellSense biosensor, showing good performance for detecting heavy metals and toxic organic compounds. The biosensor remained effective for acute toxicity assessment after two months of storage.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microbial biosensors offer a promising approach for environmental monitoring.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a well-characterized bacterium suitable for biosensor development.
- Assessing the acute toxicity of heavy metals and organic pollutants is crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare E. coli microbial electrodes using a polycarbonate membrane immobilization process.
- To evaluate the performance of the CellSense biosensor with immobilized E. coli for determining the acute toxicity of heavy metals and organic compounds.
- To assess the stability and sensitivity of the biosensor across different E. coli growth phases.
Main Methods:
- Immobilization of E. coli onto a polycarbonate membrane to create microbial electrodes.
- Utilizing the CellSense biosensor platform for toxicity measurements.
- Determining EC50 values for various heavy metal ions (Hg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) and organic pollutants (o-chlorophenol, p-nitrophenol).
- Evaluating biosensor performance and stability over time and after storage.
Main Results:
- The CellSense biosensor with E. coli demonstrated good performance for acute toxicity analysis when E. coli was in the logarithmic and stationary phases.
- Poor stability and sensitivity were observed when E. coli was in its decline phase.
- EC50 values were determined as 0.6 μg/mL for Hg2+, 3.1 μg/mL for Cu2+, 5.8 μg/mL for Zn2+, 180 μg/mL for o-chlorophenol (2-CP), and 94 μg/mL for p-nitrophenol (4-NP).
- The immobilized E. coli electrodes maintained suitability for acute toxicity assessment after 2 months of storage at 4°C.
Conclusions:
- E. coli microbial electrodes are effective for the acute toxicity assessment of heavy metals and organic pollutants using the CellSense biosensor.
- The growth phase of E. coli significantly impacts biosensor performance, with logarithmic and stationary phases yielding optimal results.
- The developed biosensor exhibits good stability and sensitivity, retaining its functionality for toxicity testing after extended storage.

