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Related Concept Videos

Microbial Biosensors01:17

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...
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
iChip01:24

iChip

The cultivation of environmental microorganisms has long been hindered by the inability to replicate complex native conditions in vitro. The isolation chip (iChip) addresses this limitation by facilitating the growth of previously uncultivable microorganisms through in situ incubation. Designed for high-throughput microbial cultivation, the iChip comprises hundreds of microchambers, each capable of housing a single microbial cell. These microchambers are loaded with a mixture of molten agar and...
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing01:28

Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing

Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that enables coordinated gene expression in response to changes in population density. This facilitates collective behaviors that enhance survival, resource acquisition, and ecological adaptation. This process relies on small signaling molecules called autoinducers that accumulate as bacterial populations grow. When a critical threshold concentration of autoinducers is reached, bacterial cells collectively modify gene expression,...
Microbial Corrosion01:24

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches
10:07

Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches

Published on: October 8, 2021

Microbial biosensors: engineered microorganisms as the sensing machinery.

Miso Park1, Shen-Long Tsai, Wilfred Chen

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. miso@udel.edu

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Whole-cell biosensors offer a cost-effective and stable alternative to enzyme-based sensors. This review explores genetically engineered microorganisms for enhanced biosensor performance, focusing on synthetic biology approaches.

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches
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Published on: October 8, 2021

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow
08:58

Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow

Published on: October 17, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Biosensor Technology

Background:

  • Whole-cell biosensors provide a cost-effective and stable alternative to traditional enzyme-based biosensors.
  • Live microorganisms are increasingly utilized as versatile biosensors for diverse target detection.
  • Genetic modification of microbial systems is key to advancing biosensor capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of genetically modified microorganisms in whole-cell biosensors.
  • To highlight methodologies for improving biosensor performance through genetic and synthetic biology approaches.
  • To discuss the construction of microorganisms with enhanced signal output, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic engineering techniques to modify microbial strains.
  • Protein engineering strategies for tailored biosensor components.
  • Synthetic biology tools for designing novel microbial sensing systems.
  • Discussion of methodologies for achieving specific signal outputs, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Main Results:

  • Genetically engineered microorganisms demonstrate significant potential for improved biosensor performance.
  • Synthetic biology enables precise control over microbial sensing and output.
  • Tailored microbial biosensors can achieve high sensitivity and selectivity for various targets.

Conclusions:

  • Whole-cell biosensors utilizing genetically modified microorganisms represent a promising field in diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
  • Advancements in genetic and synthetic biology are crucial for optimizing microbial biosensor applications.
  • Further research in engineering microorganisms will lead to more robust and efficient biosensing platforms.