Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Assembly and Tracking of Microbial Community Development within a Microwell Array Platform
Published on: June 6, 2017
Perspective on the development of synthetic microbial community (SynCom) biosensors
Jing Yuan1, Kankan Zhao2, Xiangfeng Tan3
1Microbiome Network and Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA; Senseable City Lab, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Abstract:
Synthetic microbial community (SynCom) biosensors are a promising technology for detecting and responding to environmental cues and target molecules. SynCom biosensors use engineered microorganisms to create a more complex and diverse sensing system, enabling them to respond to stimuli with enhanced sensitivity and accuracy. Here, we give a definition of SynCom biosensors, outline their construction workflow, and discuss current biosensing technology. We also highlight the challenges and future for developing and optimizing SynCom biosensors and the potential applications in agriculture and food management, biotherapeutic development, home sensing, urban and environmental monitoring, and the One Health foundation. We believe SynCom biosensors could be used in a real-time and remote-controlled manner to sense the chaos of constantly dynamic environments.
More Related Videos
10:07Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches
Published on: October 8, 2021
08:58Efficient Sampling of Genetically Encoded Biosensor Design Space Enabled with a Design of Experiments and Automation Workflow
Published on: October 17, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Synthetic Biology
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
Methods to Assess Microbial Communities
iChip
Microbial Biosensors
Automated Microbial Diagnostics