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Microbial Biosensors

Microbial Biosensors

Microbial biosensors are analytical devices that utilize living microbes to detect specific substances through measurable signals. These devices consist of two main components: biosensing organisms and signal-transducing elements. Biosensing organisms, such as Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are typically housed in multiwell plates connected to transducers, enabling rapid, real-time detection of target analytes.Signal Generation MechanismWhen a target analyte—such as...

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Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo

Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo

Published on: November 4, 2012

A portable bioluminescence engineered cell-based biosensor for on-site applications.

Aldo Roda¹, Luca Cevenini, Elisa Michelini

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy. aldo.roda@unibo.it

Biosensors & Bioelectronics

|March 11, 2011

Summary

This study presents a portable biosensing device using genetically engineered bioluminescent cells for on-site detection of androgens, estrogens, and lactose analogues. The device offers stable, precise, and accurate nanomolar-level detection with internal vitality controls.

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Biosensor Development
Reporter Gene Technology

Background:

Genetically engineered bioluminescent (BL) cells offer potential for sensitive bioassays.
Immobilization techniques are crucial for maintaining cell vitality and biosensor stability.
Reporter gene technology enables signal amplification and specific analyte detection.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a portable biosensing device utilizing genetically engineered bioluminescent cells.
To create a multiplexed system capable of detecting various compound classes, including androgens, estrogens, and lactose analogues.
To ensure the device provides stable, precise, and accurate measurements with internal vitality controls.

Main Methods:

Development of a portable device with a multiwell cartridge containing immobilized, genetically engineered bioluminescent cells.
Utilizing a fiber optic taper and a cooled CCD sensor for imaging and quantifying bioluminescent signals.
Engineering yeast and bacterial strains with specific recognition elements linked to luciferase expression via reporter genes for analyte detection.

Main Results:

Three distinct biosensors were successfully developed: one for androgens, one for androgens and estrogens, and one for a lactose analogue.
Immobilized cells demonstrated stability for up to one month.
Analyte detection achieved at nanomolar levels with good precision and accuracy, validated by internal vitality controls.

Conclusions:

The developed portable biosensing device is effective for on-site, multiplexed bioassays.
The use of genetically engineered bioluminescent cells and reporter gene technology enables sensitive and specific detection.
The device's stability and accuracy, supported by internal vitality controls, make it suitable for various environmental and biological monitoring applications.