In vivo biosensors: mechanisms, development, and applications

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Metabolic engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• In vivo biosensors detect and respond to specific cellular stimuli like metabolites or pH changes.
• Biosensors are increasingly integrated into synthetic circuits to control reporter gene expression.
• Natural sensing devices are broadly classified as protein-based or nucleic acid-based.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the design, optimization, and applications of in vivo biosensors.
• To highlight the role of biosensors in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
• To discuss the impact of new technologies on biosensor discovery and engineering.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on in vivo biosensor technology.
• Categorization of biosensors into protein-based and nucleic acid-based systems.
• Discussion of engineering approaches for novel specificity and improved characteristics.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in the design and optimization of in vivo biosensors.
• Broadening applications of biosensors in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
• Emergence of new technologies facilitating rapid biosensor discovery and engineering.

Conclusions:

• In vivo biosensors are pivotal tools for controlling cellular processes.
• Engineering efforts are expanding the capabilities and applications of biosensors.
• Technological advancements are accelerating progress in biosensor development for biotechnology.