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A method for detecting perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate in water samples using genetically
Ganesan Sunantha1, Namasivayam Vasudevan2
1National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Anna University Campus, Chennai 600025, India; Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 15, 2020
Summary
A novel bacterial biosensor detects per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water without pre-treatment. This genetically engineered sensor offers a simple, sensitive method for identifying these persistent pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants.
- Accurate detection of PFAS in various water matrices is crucial for environmental monitoring and public health.
- Existing detection methods can be complex, requiring extensive sample pre-treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, reagent-free, and pre-treatment-free bacterial biosensor for detecting PFAS in water.
- To engineer a bacterial strain capable of detecting specific PFAS compounds through genetically encoded regulatory and reporter genes.
- To validate the biosensor's performance against established analytical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Genetic engineering of bacteria by integrating a defluorinase regulatory gene and a green fluorescence reporter gene.
- Induction of the regulatory gene leading to the expression of green fluorescence protein.
- Detection and visualization of fluorescence using fluorescence microscopy.
- Specificity testing against various organic pollutants.
- Validation using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Main Results:
- The developed bacterial biosensor successfully detected perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water samples.
- The biosensor demonstrated high specificity, distinguishing PFAS from other organic pollutants.
- Detection limits were in the nanogram per liter range.
- Analysis time was significantly reduced to 24 hours.
- Results were validated by LC-MS, confirming the biosensor's accuracy.
Conclusions:
- A genetically engineered bacterial biosensor provides a rapid, sensitive, and simplified approach for PFAS detection in diverse water samples.
- This method eliminates the need for complex sample pre-treatment, making it a cost-effective and accessible tool.
- The biosensor holds significant potential for environmental monitoring and water quality assessment.
