Lasing from Escherichia coli bacteria genetically programmed to express green fluorescent protein

Area of Science:

• Biophotonics
• Synthetic Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial colonies offer a unique biological system for optoelectronic applications.
• Genetically engineered microorganisms can be programmed to produce specific optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of genetically modified Escherichia coli for laser emission.
• To demonstrate lasing action within bacterial colonies.

Main Methods:

• Escherichia coli were genetically engineered to synthesize green fluorescent protein (GFP).
• Bacterial colonies were embedded in a Fabry-Perot optical cavity.
• The colonies were excited using nanosecond pulses of blue light (465 nm).

Main Results:

• Achieved laser emission in the green spectrum (approximately 520 nm) from the bacterial colonies.
• Demonstrated simultaneous lasing over a large area by using broad illumination.
• Confirmed lasing action originating from the engineered bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Living bacterial colonies can function as a gain medium for laser generation.
• This research opens new avenues for bio-integrated lasers and optoelectronic devices.
• The study highlights the potential of synthetic biology in creating novel light-emitting systems.