Rapid Detection of l-Arginine Using a Fluorescent Bacillus caldovelox Arginase for Monitoring Arginase Deficiency

Patients with arginase deficiency require lifelong treatment with pegzilarginase and regular monitoring of blood l-arginine (l-Arg) levels. To address this need, we developed a site-directed, fluorescently labeled Bacillus caldovelox arginase, BCA(T16C)f, designed to directly and specifically detect l-Arg. BCA(T16C)f functions as a "turn-on" fluorescent biosensor, producing an increased fluorescence signal upon reacting with l-Arg. This is due to the labeling site being strategically positioned near the enzyme's active site, allowing it to be displaced into the external aqueous environment during interaction with l-Arg. The biosensor effectively quantified l-Arg levels ranging from 100 to 1000 μM by measuring the percentage change in fluorescence intensity within the first minute. When applied to detect 200 or 400 μM l-Arg in fetal bovine serum to mimic the condition of arginase deficiency, the results closely matched those obtained using mass spectrometry. This study presents a rapid, simple, and specific fluorescent biosensor, offering a practical solution for patients with arginase deficiency to monitor their l-Arg levels routinely.