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Mao C, Mao Y, Zhu X, Chen G, Feng C. Synthetic biology-based bioreactor and its application in biochemical analysis. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2023; 54:2467-2484. [PMID: 36803337 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2180319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
In the past few years, synthetic biologists have established some biological elements and bioreactors composed of nucleotides under the guidance of engineering methods. Following the concept of engineering, the common bioreactor components in recent years are introduced and compared. At present, biosensors based on synthetic biology have been applied to water pollution monitoring, disease diagnosis, epidemiological monitoring, biochemical analysis and other detection fields. In this paper, the biosensor components based on synthetic bioreactors and reporters are reviewed. In addition, the applications of biosensors based on cell system and cell-free system in the detection of heavy metal ions, nucleic acid, antibiotics and other substances are presented. Finally, the bottlenecks faced by biosensors and the direction of optimization are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Mao
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yichun Mao
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Guifang Chen
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chang Feng
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P. R. China
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52
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Huan YW, Brown R, Wang B. An adenine/thymidine-rich region is integral to RepL-mediated DNA replication. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1095671. [PMID: 36846746 PMCID: PMC9948254 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1095671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The lytic replication of bacteriophage P1 requires RepL expression and the lytic stage origin, oriL, which is postulated to be located within repL gene sequence. The exact sequence of P1 oriL and the mechanism(s) of RepL-mediated DNA replication, however, are not fully understood. By using repL gene expression to induce DNA replication of a gfp and a rfp reporter plasmids, we demonstrated that synonymous base substitution in an adenine/thymidine-rich region of repL gene sequence, termed AT2, significantly inhibited the RepL-mediated signal amplification. Contrastingly, mutations in an IHF and two DnaA binding sites did not affect the RepL-mediated signal amplification significantly. A truncated repL sequence with the AT2 region allowed RepL-mediated signal amplification in trans therefore verifying a significant role of the AT2 region in RepL-mediated DNA replication. A combination of repL gene expression and a non-protein-coding copy of repL gene sequence (termed nc-repL) was able to amplify the output of an arsenic biosensor. Furthermore, mutation(s) at single or multiple positions within the AT2 region produced varying levels of RepL-mediated signal amplification. Overall, our results provide novel insights into the identity and location of P1 oriL as well as demonstrating the potential of using repL constructs to amplify and modulate the output of genetic biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wei Huan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Baojun Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center for Biological Computation, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, China
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53
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A Novel Whole-Cell Biosensor for Bioavailable Antimonite in Water and Sediments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0181722. [PMID: 36602327 PMCID: PMC9888276 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01817-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimony (Sb) is an emerging contaminant, and its on-site speciation analysis is central to the accurate evaluation of its bioavailability and toxicity. The whole-cell biosensors (WCBs) for Sb(III) are promising but challenging due to the lack of Sb(III)-specific recognition components. Here, we constructed a novel Sb(III)-specific WCB using an Sb(III) transcriptional regulator (antR) and its cognate promoter (Pant). To prevent the promoter leakage of Pant, an additional regulatory gene, antR, was inserted downstream of the Sb(III)-inducible promoter, improving the sensitivity of the WCB by an order of magnitude and reaching the detection limit at 0.009 μM, which is lower than the WHO drinking water standard of Sb. Moreover, the WCB with double antR showed a high specificity toward Sb(III) compared with interfering ions at 3 orders of magnitude higher concentrations. This WCB was capable of measuring Sb(III) bioavailability in natural waters and sediments on-site, and its results were not statistically different from the chemical analysis. The insights gained from this work demonstrate that the addition of regulatory genes prevents promoter leakage and improves the sensitivity of WCBs in field applications. IMPORTANCE Antimony (Sb) is a redox-sensitive pollutant ubiquitous in the environment. Sb(III) is dominant in the subsurface and is readily oxidized to less toxic Sb(V) upon exposure to air, and therefore, on-site Sb speciation analysis is essential to evaluate its bioavailability and toxicity. Dissolved Sb concentration and speciation can be determined accurately using on-site chemical sensors, but chemical sensors have difficulty determining the bioavailable Sb(III) that is taken up by the cells. Here, we constructed an Sb(III)-specific whole-cell biosensor (WCB) using double Sb(III) transcriptional regulators (antR) downstream of its cognate promoter Pant. With an additional antR, the sensitivity of the WCB was improved by approximately 10 times, and the promoter leakage commonly found in WCBs was inhibited. Integrated with a tea-bag design, the WCB is able to measure Sb(III) bioavailability in natural water and sediments on-site. This study demonstrates the importance of inserting one more regulatory gene to improve sensitivity.
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54
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Van Raad D, Huber T. eCell Technology for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis, Biosensing, and Remediation. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 185:129-146. [PMID: 37306701 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The eCell technology is a recently introduced, specialized protein production platform with uses in a multitude of biotechnological applications. This chapter summarizes the use of eCell technology in four selected application areas. Firstly, for detecting heavy metal ions, specifically mercury, in an in vitro protein expression system. Results show improved sensitivity and lower limit of detection compared to comparable in vivo systems. Secondly, eCells are semipermeable, stable, and can be stored for extended periods of time, making them a portable and accessible technology for bioremediation of toxicants in extreme environments. Thirdly and fourthly, applications of eCell technology are shown to facilitate expression of correctly folded disulfide-rich proteins and incorporate chemically interesting derivatives of amino acids into proteins which are toxic to in vivo protein expression. Overall, eCell technology presents a cost-effective and efficient method for biosensing, bioremediation, and protein production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Van Raad
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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55
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Usai F, Loi G, Scocozza F, Bellato M, Castagliuolo I, Conti M, Pasotti L. Design and biofabrication of bacterial living materials with robust and multiplexed biosensing capabilities. Mater Today Bio 2022; 18:100526. [PMID: 36632629 PMCID: PMC9826803 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The intertwined adoption of synthetic biology and 3D bioprinting has the potential to improve different application fields by fabricating engineered living materials (ELMs) with unnatural genetically-encoded sense & response capabilities. However, efforts are still needed to streamline the fabrication of sensing ELMs compatible with field use and improving their functional complexity. To investigate these two unmet needs, we adopted a workflow to reproducibly construct bacterial ELMs with synthetic biosensing circuits that provide red pigmentation as visible readout in response to different proof-of-concept chemical inducers. We first fabricated single-input/single-output ELMs and we demonstrated their robust performance in terms of longevity (cell viability and evolutionary stability >15 days, and long-term storage >1 month), sensing in harsh, non-sterile or nutrient-free conditions compatible with field use (soil, water, and clinical samples, including real samples from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected patients). Then, we fabricated ELMs including multiple spatially-separated biosensor strains to engineer: level-bar materials detecting molecule concentration ranges, multi-input/multi-output devices with multiplexed sensing and information processing capabilities, and materials with cell-cell communication enabling on-demand pattern formation. Overall, we showed successful field use and multiplexed functioning of reproducibly fabricated ELMs, paving the way to a future automation of the prototyping process and boosting applications of such devices as in-situ monitoring tools or easy-to-use sensing kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Usai
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giada Loi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Franca Scocozza
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellato
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6b, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Ignazio Castagliuolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Conti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy,Corresponding author.
| | - Lorenzo Pasotti
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100, Pavia, Italy,Corresponding author.
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56
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Petrucci S, Ramón Codina Garcia-Andrade J, Moutsiopoulou A, Broyles DB, Dikici E, Daunert S, Deo SK. A Bioluminescent Protein-Graphene Oxide Donor-Quencher Pair in DNA Hybridization Assays. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202200372. [PMID: 36457160 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite fluorescent quenching with graphene oxide (GO) having shown great success in various applications - bioluminescent quenching has not yet been demonstrated using GO as a quencher. To explore the ability of GO to quench bioluminescence, we used Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) as a donor and GO as a quencher and demonstrated its application in sensing of two target analytes, HIV-1 DNA and IFN-γ. We demonstrated that the incubation of Gluc conjugated HIV-1 and IFN-γ oligonucleotide probes with GO provided for monitoring of probe-target interactions based on bioluminescence measurement in a solution phase sensing system. The limits of detection obtained for IFN-γ and HIV-1 DNA detection were 17 nM and 7.59 nM, respectively. Both sensing systems showed selectivity toward the target analyte. The detection of IFN-γ in saliva matrix was demonstrated. The use of GO as a quencher provides for high sensitivity while maintaining the selectivity of designed probes to their respective targets. The use of GO as a quencher provides for an easy assay design and low cost, environmentally friendly reporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Petrucci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Josep Ramón Codina Garcia-Andrade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Angeliki Moutsiopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David B Broyles
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sapna K Deo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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57
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Li L, Zhang R, Chen L, Tian X, Li T, Pu B, Ma C, Ji X, Ba F, Xiong C, Shi Y, Mi X, Li J, Keasling JD, Zhang J, Liu Y. Permeability-Engineered Compartmentalization Enables In Vitro Reconstitution of Sustained Synthetic Biology Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203652. [PMID: 36180388 PMCID: PMC9731718 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In nature, biological compartments such as cells rely on dynamically controlled permeability for matter exchange and complex cellular activities. Likewise, the ability to engineer compartment permeability is crucial for in vitro systems to gain sustainability, robustness, and complexity. However, rendering in vitro compartments such a capability is challenging. Here, a facile strategy is presented to build permeability-configurable compartments, and marked advantages of such compartmentalization are shown in reconstituting sustained synthetic biology systems in vitro. Through microfluidics, the strategy produces micrometer-sized layered microgels whose shell layer serves as a sieving structure for biomolecules and particles. In this configuration, the transport of DNAs, proteins, and bacteriophages across the compartments can be controlled an guided by a physical model. Through permeability engineering, a compartmentalized cell-free protein synthesis system sustains multicycle protein production; ≈100 000 compartments are repeatedly used in a five-cycle synthesis, featuring a yield of 2.2 mg mL-1 . Further, the engineered bacteria-enclosing compartments possess near-perfect phage resistance and enhanced environmental fitness. In a complex river silt environment, compartmentalized whole-cell biosensors show maintained activity throughout the 32 h pollutant monitoring. It is anticipated that permeability-engineered compartmentalization should pave the way for practical synthetic biology applications such as green bioproduction, environmental sensing, and bacteria-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Li
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Xintong Tian
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Bingchun Pu
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Conghui Ma
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Xiangyang Ji
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Fang Ba
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Chenwei Xiong
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Yunfeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Xianqiang Mi
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Jay D. Keasling
- Joint BioEnergy InstituteEmeryvilleCA94608USA
- Biological Systems and Engineering DivisionLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCA94720USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Department of BioengineeringUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCA94720USA
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial CenterShanghai201210China
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58
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Selim AS, Perry JM, Nasr MA, Pimprikar JM, Shih SCC. A Synthetic Biosensor for Detecting Putrescine in Beef Samples. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:5487-5496. [PMID: 36356104 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Biogenic amines (BAs) are toxicological risks present in many food products. Putrescine is the most common foodborne BA and is frequently used as a quality control marker. Currently, there is a lack of regulation concerning safe putrescine limits in food as well as outdated food handling practices leading to unnecessary putrescine intake. Conventional methods used to evaluate BAs in food are generally time-consuming and resource-heavy with few options for on-site analysis. In response to this challenge, we have developed a transcription factor-based biosensor for the quantification of putrescine in beef samples. In this work, we use a naturally occurring putrescine responsive repressor-operator pair (PuuR-puuO) native to Escherichia coli. Moreover, we demonstrate the use of the cell-free putrescine biosensor on a paper-based device that enables rapid low-cost detection of putrescine in beef samples stored at different temperatures. The results presented demonstrate the potential role of using paper-based biosensors for on-site testing, particularly as an index for determining meat product stability and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa S Selim
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada.,Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada
| | - James M Perry
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada.,Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Nasr
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada.,Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Jay M Pimprikar
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QuébecH3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Steve C C Shih
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada.,Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QuébecH4B 1R6, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QuébecH3G 1M8, Canada
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59
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The role of sensory kinase proteins in two-component signal transduction. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1859-1873. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two-component systems (TCSs) are modular signaling circuits that regulate diverse aspects of microbial physiology in response to environmental cues. These molecular circuits comprise a sensor histidine kinase (HK) protein that contains a conserved histidine residue, and an effector response regulator (RR) protein with a conserved aspartate residue. HKs play a major role in bacterial signaling, since they perceive specific stimuli, transmit the message across the cytoplasmic membrane, and catalyze their own phosphorylation, and the trans-phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of their cognate response regulator. The molecular mechanisms by which HKs co-ordinate these functions have been extensively analyzed by genetic, biochemical, and structural approaches. Here, we describe the most common modular architectures found in bacterial HKs, and address the operation mode of the individual functional domains. Finally, we discuss the use of these signaling proteins as drug targets or as sensing devices in whole-cell biosensors with medical and biotechnological applications.
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60
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Reyes S, Rizzo E, Ting A, Dikici E, Daunert S, Deo SK. Metal organic framework encapsulated tamavidin-Gluc reporter: application in COVID-19 spike antigen bioluminescent immunoassay. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2022; 1:1198-1208. [PMID: 36561132 PMCID: PMC9662597 DOI: 10.1039/d2sd00145d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is one of the most utilized serological methods to diagnose and identify etiologic agents of many infectious diseases and other physiologically important analytes. ELISA can be used either alone or adjunct to other diagnostic methods such as molecular arrays, and other serological techniques. Most ELISA assays utilize reagents that are proteinaceous in nature, which are not very stable and require cold-chain transport systems. Development of a desirable immunoassay requires stability of reagents used and its ability to be stored at room temperature without sacrificing the activity of the reagents or the protein of interest. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a rapidly emerging and evolving class of porous polymeric materials used in a variety of biosensor applications. In this study, we introduce the use of MOFs to stabilize a universal reporter fusion protein, specifically, avidin-like protein (Tam-avidin2) and the small bioluminescent protein Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) forming the fusion reporter, tamavidin2-Gluc (TA2-Gluc). This fusion protein serves as a universal reporter for any assays that utilize biotin-avidin binding strategy. Using SARS-CoV2 S1 spike antigen as the model target antigen, we demonstrated that encapsulation of TA2-Gluc fusion protein using a nano-porous material, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), allows us to store and preserve this reporter protein at room temperature for over 6 months and use it as a reporter for an ELISA assay. Our optimized assay was validated demonstrating a 0.26 μg mL-1 limit of detection, high reproducibility of assay over days, detection of spiked non-virulent SARS-COV2 pseudovirus in real sample matrix, and detection in real COVID-19 infected individuals. This result can lead to the utilization of our TA2-Gluc fusion protein reporter with other assays and potentially in diagnostic technologies in a point-of-care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherwin Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine Miami FL 33136 USA
- The Dr. John T. McDonald Foundation Bionanotechnology Institute of University of Miami Miami FL 33136 USA
| | - Emily Rizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine Miami FL 33136 USA
| | - Albert Ting
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine Miami FL 33136 USA
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine Miami FL 33136 USA
- The Dr. John T. McDonald Foundation Bionanotechnology Institute of University of Miami Miami FL 33136 USA
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine Miami FL 33136 USA
- The Dr. John T. McDonald Foundation Bionanotechnology Institute of University of Miami Miami FL 33136 USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute of University of Miami FL 33136 USA
| | - Sapna K Deo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine Miami FL 33136 USA
- The Dr. John T. McDonald Foundation Bionanotechnology Institute of University of Miami Miami FL 33136 USA
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61
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Li J, Cui M, Zhao J, Wang J, Fang X. A self-amplifying plasmid based ultrasensitive biosensor for the detection of As(Ⅲ) in water. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 221:114937. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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62
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Moškon M, Pušnik Ž, Stanovnik L, Zimic N, Mraz M. A computational design of a programmable biological processor. Biosystems 2022; 221:104778. [PMID: 36099979 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Basic synthetic information processing structures, such as logic gates, oscillators and flip-flops, have already been implemented in living organisms. Current implementations of these structures have yet to be extended to more complex processing structures that would constitute a biological computer. We make a step forward towards the construction of a biological computer. We describe a model-based computational design of a biological processor that uses transcription and translation resources of the host cell to perform its operations. The proposed processor is composed of an instruction memory containing a biological program, a program counter that is used to address this memory, and a biological oscillator that triggers the execution of the next instruction in the memory. We additionally describe the implementation of a biological compiler that compiles a sequence of human-readable instructions into ordinary differential equation-based models, which can be used to simulate and analyse the dynamics of the processor. The proposed implementation presents the first programmable biological processor that exploits cellular resources to execute the specified instructions. We demonstrate the application of the described processor on a set of simple yet scalable biological programs. Biological descriptions of these programs can be produced manually or automatically using the provided compiler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miha Moškon
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Žiga Pušnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Lidija Stanovnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Nikolaj Zimic
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Miha Mraz
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
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63
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Toward predictive engineering of gene circuits. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 41:760-768. [PMID: 36435671 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many synthetic biology applications rely on programming living cells using gene circuits - the assembly and wiring of genetic elements to control cellular behaviors. Extensive progress has been made in constructing gene circuits with diverse functions and applications. For many circuit functions, however, it remains challenging to ensure that the circuits operate in a predictable manner. Although the notion of predictability may appear intuitive, close inspection suggests that it is not always clear what constitutes predictability. We dissect this concept and how it can be confounded by the complexity of a circuit, the complexity of the context, and the interplay between the two. We discuss circuit engineering strategies, in both computation and experiment, that have been used to improve the predictability of gene circuits.
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64
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Zou ZP, Yang Y, Wang J, Zhou Y, Ye BC. Coupling split-lux cassette with a toggle switch in bacteria for ultrasensitive blood markers detection in feces and urine. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 214:114520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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65
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Fang TT, Zou ZP, Zhou Y, Ye BC. Prebiotics-Controlled Disposable Engineered Bacteria for Intestinal Diseases. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3004-3014. [PMID: 36037444 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
As a new method of diagnosis and treatment for intestinal diseases, intelligent engineered bacteria based on synthetic biology have been developed vigorously in recent years. However, how to deal with the engineered bacteria in vivo after completing the tasks is an urgent problem to be resolved. In this study, we constructed a thiosulfate (a biomarker of inflammatory bowel disease)-responsive engineered bacteria to generate two signals, sfGFP (monitoring) and gain-of-function (translation activation) mutation (ACG to ATG), in the initiation codon of lysisE (recording) via the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated base editing system. Once these two signals were detected, xylose could be added to induce lysis E expression, resulting in the destruction of the edited bacteria and the release of AvCystain simultaneously. Overall, our innovative engineered bacteria can record instant and historical information of the disease, and especially, the edited bacteria can be artificially attenuated and release drug in situ when needed, ultimately serving as a disposable and recyclable candidate for more types of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Fang
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhen-Ping Zou
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Bang-Ce Ye
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.,Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
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66
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Li R, Chen S, Li Y, Chen X, Ye BC. Development of a "Turn off-on" whole-cell biosensor for sulforaphane detection based on the ultrasensitive activator HrpRS. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2022; 70:798-810. [PMID: 36070874 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN), a defense secondary metabolite, can be used to predict the health status of plants and also has pharmacological effects, including anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The detection of SFN is therefore of great significance for the prevention and treatment of diseases. In this study, a "Turn off" whole-cell biosensor that can rapidly and robustly respond to the presence of SFN was constructed based on the orthogonal genetic components (hrpR, hrpS, and PhrpL ) of Pseudomonas syringae (PS). The final optimized biosensor, p114(30R-30S), was able to inhibit 91.7% of the fluorescence intensity in the presence of 100-μM SFN. Subsequently, a HrpRS-regulated OFF-ON genetic switch was designed by reconstituting a reverse σ70 promoter on the σ54 -PhrpL promoter sequence; this was coupled with dual-color reporter genes to construct a "Turn off-on" whole-cell SFN biosensor. The PhrpLB variant increased the expression of green fluorescence a factor of 11.9 and reduced the expression of red fluorescence by 85.8% compared with the system in the absence of SFN. Thus, a robust switching of signal output from "turn off" to "turn on" was realized. In addition, the biosensor showed good linearity in the SFN concentration ranges of 0.1-10 μM (R2 = 0.99429) and 10-100 μM (R2 = 0.99465) and a detection limit of ⁓0.1 μM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Shengyan Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Yangguang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Bang-Ce Ye
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China.,Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.,Lab of Biosystem and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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d'Oelsnitz S, Kim W, Burkholder NT, Javanmardi K, Thyer R, Zhang Y, Alper HS, Ellington AD. Using fungible biosensors to evolve improved alkaloid biosyntheses. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:981-989. [PMID: 35799063 PMCID: PMC11494455 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01072-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A key bottleneck in the microbial production of therapeutic plant metabolites is identifying enzymes that can improve yield. The facile identification of genetically encoded biosensors can overcome this limitation and become part of a general method for engineering scaled production. We have developed a combined screening and selection approach that quickly refines the affinities and specificities of generalist transcription factors; using RamR as a starting point, we evolve highly specific (>100-fold preference) and sensitive (half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) < 30 μM) biosensors for the alkaloids tetrahydropapaverine, papaverine, glaucine, rotundine and noscapine. High-resolution structures reveal multiple evolutionary avenues for the malleable effector-binding site and the creation of new pockets for different chemical moieties. These sensors further enabled the evolution of a streamlined pathway for tetrahydropapaverine, a precursor to four modern pharmaceuticals, collapsing multiple methylation steps into a single evolved enzyme. Our methods for evolving biosensors enable the rapid engineering of pathways for therapeutic alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon d'Oelsnitz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Wantae Kim
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Kamyab Javanmardi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ross Thyer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hal S Alper
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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68
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Somayaji A, Sarkar S, Balasubramaniam S, Raval R. Synthetic biology techniques to tackle heavy metal pollution and poisoning. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 7:841-846. [PMID: 35572766 PMCID: PMC9078997 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The requirement for natural resources and energy increases continually with the increase in population. An inevitable result of this is soil, water, and air pollution with diverse pollutants, including heavy metals. Synthetic Biology involves using modular, interchangeable biological parts, devices in standard chassis or whole organisms to achieve a programmed result that can be quantified and optimized till it meets the required efficiency. This makes synthetic biology techniques very popular to tackle pressing global issues such as heavy metal poisoning. This review aimed to highlight various advancements as well as benefits, risks, and problems in synthetic biology techniques for detection, bioaccumulation, and biosorption of various heavy metals using engineered organisms. We found that while such an approach is cost-effective, accessible, and efficient, there are several inherent technological and ethical issues including but not limited to metabolic burden and consequences of use of genetically modified organisms respectively. Overcoming these hurdles will probably take time and innumerable conversations, and should be done through education and a culture of responsible research, rather than enforcing restrictions on the development of synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithi Somayaji
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Manipal BioMachines, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Soumodeep Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Manipal BioMachines, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shravan Balasubramaniam
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Manipal BioMachines, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ritu Raval
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Manipal BioMachines, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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69
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Oliveira SMD, Densmore D. Hardware, Software, and Wetware Codesign Environment for Synthetic Biology. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9794510. [PMID: 37850136 PMCID: PMC10521664 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9794510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology is the process of forward engineering living systems. These systems can be used to produce biobased materials, agriculture, medicine, and energy. One approach to designing these systems is to employ techniques from the design of embedded electronics. These techniques include abstraction, standards, modularity, automated design, and formal semantic models of computation. Together, these elements form the foundation of "biodesign automation," where software, robotics, and microfluidic devices combine to create exciting biological systems of the future. This paper describes a "hardware, software, wetware" codesign vision where software tools can be made to act as "genetic compilers" that transform high-level specifications into engineered "genetic circuits" (wetware). This is followed by a process where automation equipment, well-defined experimental workflows, and microfluidic devices are explicitly designed to house, execute, and test these circuits (hardware). These systems can be used as either massively parallel experimental platforms or distributed bioremediation and biosensing devices. Next, scheduling and control algorithms (software) manage these systems' actual execution and data analysis tasks. A distinguishing feature of this approach is how all three of these aspects (hardware, software, and wetware) may be derived from the same basic specification in parallel and generated to fulfill specific cost, performance, and structural requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. D. Oliveira
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
| | - Douglas Densmore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, MA 02215, USA
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70
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Zúñiga A, Muñoz-Guamuro G, Boivineau L, Mayonove P, Conejero I, Pageaux GP, Altwegg R, Bonnet J. A rapid and standardized workflow for functional assessment of bacterial biosensors in fecal samples. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:859600. [PMID: 36072290 PMCID: PMC9444133 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.859600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut metabolites are pivotal mediators of host-microbiome interactions and provide an important window on human physiology and disease. However, current methods to monitor gut metabolites rely on heavy and expensive technologies such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In that context, robust, fast, field-deployable, and cost-effective strategies for monitoring fecal metabolites would support large-scale functional studies and routine monitoring of metabolites biomarkers associated with pathological conditions. Living cells are an attractive option to engineer biosensors due to their ability to detect and process many environmental signals and their self-replicating nature. Here we optimized a workflow for feces processing that supports metabolite detection using bacterial biosensors. We show that simple centrifugation and filtration steps remove host microbes and support reproducible preparation of a physiological-derived media retaining important characteristics of human feces, such as matrix effects and endogenous metabolites. We measure the performance of bacterial biosensors for benzoate, lactate, anhydrotetracycline, and bile acids, and find that they are highly sensitive to fecal matrices. However, encapsulating the bacteria in hydrogel helps reduce this inhibitory effect. Sensitivity to matrix effects is biosensor-dependent but also varies between individuals, highlighting the need for case-by-case optimization for biosensors’ operation in feces. Finally, by detecting endogenous bile acids, we demonstrate that bacterial biosensors could be used for future metabolite monitoring in feces. This work lays the foundation for the optimization and use of bacterial biosensors for fecal metabolites monitoring. In the future, our method could also allow rapid pre-prototyping of engineered bacteria designed to operate in the gut, with applications to in situ diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Zúñiga
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: Ana Zúñiga, ; Jerome Bonnet,
| | - Geisler Muñoz-Guamuro
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucile Boivineau
- Hepatogastroenterology and Bacteriology Service at CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pauline Mayonove
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ismael Conejero
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Hepatogastroenterology and Bacteriology Service at CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Romain Altwegg
- Hepatogastroenterology and Bacteriology Service at CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jerome Bonnet
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: Ana Zúñiga, ; Jerome Bonnet,
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71
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Li J, Chen Y, Liu S, Zhong C. Engineered living materials (ELMs) design: From function allocation to dynamic behavior modulation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 70:102188. [PMID: 35970133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural materials possess many distinctive "living" attributes, such as self-growth, self-healing, environmental responsiveness, and evolvability, that are beyond the reach of many existing synthetic materials. The emerging field of engineered living materials (ELMs) takes inspiration from nature and harnesses engineered living systems to produce dynamic and responsive materials with genetically programmable functionalities. Here, we identify and review two main directions for the rational design of ELMs: first, engineering of living materials with enhanced performances by incorporating functional material modules, including engineered biological building blocks (proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids) or well-defined artificial materials; second, engineering of smart ELMs that can sense and respond to their surroundings by programming dynamic cellular behaviors regulated via cell-cell or cell-environment interactions. We next discuss the strengths and challenges of current ELMs and conclude by providing a perspective of future directions in this promising area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyi Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sizhe Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Cas Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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72
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Dong Y, Xu T, Xiao G, Hu Z, Chen J. Opportunities and challenges for synthetic biology in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:909591. [PMID: 36032720 PMCID: PMC9399643 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.909591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex, chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder that primarily includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although traditional antibiotics and immunosuppressants are known as the most effective and commonly used treatments, some limitations may be expected, such as limited efficacy in a small number of patients and gut flora disruption. A great many research studies have been done with respect to the etiology of IBD, while the composition of the gut microbiota is suggested as one of the most influential factors. Along with the development of synthetic biology and the continuing clarification of IBD etiology, broader prospects for novel approaches to IBD therapy could be obtained. This study presents an overview of the currently existing treatment options and possible therapeutic targets at the preclinical stage with respect to microbial synthesis technology in biological therapy. This study is highly correlated to the following topics: microbiota-derived metabolites, microRNAs, cell therapy, calreticulin, live biotherapeutic products (LBP), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), bacteriophages, engineered bacteria, and their functional secreted synthetic products for IBD medical implementation. Considering microorganisms as the main therapeutic component, as a result, the related clinical trial stability, effectiveness, and safety analysis may be the major challenges for upcoming research. This article strives to provide pharmaceutical researchers and developers with the most up-to-date information for adjuvant medicinal therapies based on synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Dong
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Suzhou U-Synbio Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Tiangang Xu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guozheng Xiao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyan Hu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jingyu Chen,
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73
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Pham HL, Ling H, Chang MW. Design and fabrication of field-deployable microbial biosensing devices. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 76:102731. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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74
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Abstract
Bacterial proteases are a promising post-translational regulation strategy in synthetic circuits because they recognize specific amino acid degradation tags (degrons) that can be fine-tuned to modulate the degradation levels of tagged proteins. For this reason, recent efforts have been made in the search for new degrons. Here we review the up-to-date applications of degradation tags for circuit engineering in bacteria. In particular, we pay special attention to the effects of degradation bottlenecks in synthetic oscillators and introduce mathematical approaches to study queueing that enable the quantitative modelling of proteolytic queues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajakta Jadhav
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Butzin
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Javier Buceta
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, CSIC-UV), Paterna, Valencia 46980, Spain
| | - Arantxa Urchueguía
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.,Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, CSIC-UV), Paterna, Valencia 46980, Spain
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75
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Copeland CE, Kim J, Copeland PL, Heitmeier CJ, Kwon YC. Characterizing a New Fluorescent Protein for a Low Limit of Detection Sensing in the Cell-Free System. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2800-2810. [PMID: 35850511 PMCID: PMC9396652 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis-based biosensors have been developed as highly accurate, low-cost biosensors. However, since most biomarkers exist at low concentrations in various types of biopsies, the biosensor's dynamic range must be increased in the system to achieve low limits of detection necessary while deciphering from higher background signals. Many attempts to increase the dynamic range have relied on amplifying the input signal from the analyte, which can lead to complications of false positives. In this study, we aimed to increase the protein synthesis capability of the cell-free protein synthesis system and the output signal of the reporter protein to achieve a lower limit of detection. We utilized a new fluorescent protein, mNeonGreen, which produces a higher output than those commonly used in cell-free biosensors. Optimizations of DNA sequence and the subsequent cell-free protein synthesis reaction conditions allowed characterizing protein expression variability by given DNA template types, reaction environment, and storage additives that cause the greatest time constraint on designing the cell-free biosensor. Finally, we characterized the fluorescence kinetics of mNeonGreen compared to the commonly used reporter protein, superfolder green fluorescent protein. We expect that this finely tuned cell-free protein synthesis platform with the new reporter protein can be used with sophisticated synthetic gene circuitry networks to increase the dynamic range of a cell-free biosensor to reach lower detection limits and reduce the false-positive proportion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Copeland
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Jeehye Kim
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Pearce L Copeland
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Chloe J Heitmeier
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Yong-Chan Kwon
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States.,Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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76
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Liu C, Yu H, Zhang B, Liu S, Liu CG, Li F, Song H. Engineering whole-cell microbial biosensors: Design principles and applications in monitoring and treatment of heavy metals and organic pollutants. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108019. [PMID: 35853551 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Biosensors have been widely used as cost-effective, rapid, in situ, and real-time analytical tools for monitoring environments. The development of synthetic biology has enabled emergence of genetically engineered whole-cell microbial biosensors. This review updates the design and optimization principles for a diverse array of whole-cell biosensors based on transcription factors (TF) including activators or repressors derived from heavy metal resistance systems, alkanes, and aromatics metabolic pathways of bacteria. By designing genetic circuits, the whole-cell biosensors could be engineered to intelligently sense heavy metals (Hg2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Au3+, Cd2+, As3+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and UO22+) or organic compounds (alcohols, alkanes, phenols, and benzenes) through one-component or two-component system-based TFs, transduce signals through genetic amplifiers, and response as various outputs such as cell fluorescence and bioelectricity for monitoring heavy metals and organic pollutants in real conditions, synthetic curli and surface metal-binding peptides for in situ bio-sorption of heavy metals. We further review strategies that have been implemented to optimize the selectivity and correlation between ligand concentration and output signal of the TF-based biosensors, so as to meet requirements of practical applications. The optimization strategies include protein engineering to change specificities, promoter engineering to improve sensitivities, and genetic circuit-based amplification to enhance dynamic ranges via designing transcriptional amplifiers, logic gates, and feedback loops. At last, we outlook future trends in developing novel forms of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Baocai Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shilin Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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77
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Harbaugh SV, Silverman AD, Chushak YG, Zimlich K, Wolfe M, Thavarajah W, Jewett MC, Lucks JB, Chávez JL. Engineering a Synthetic Dopamine-Responsive Riboswitch for In Vitro Biosensing. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2275-2283. [PMID: 35775197 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The detection of chemicals using natural allosteric transcription factors is a powerful strategy for point-of-use molecular sensing, particularly using fieldable cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems. However, the reliance of detection schemes on characterized protein-based sensors limits the number of measurable analytes. One alternative solution to this issue is to develop new sensors by generating RNA aptamers against the target analyte and then incorporating them directly into a riboswitch scaffold for ligand-inducible genetic control of a reporter protein. However, this strategy has not generated more than a handful of successful portable cell-free molecular sensors. To address this gap, here we convert dopamine-binding aptamers into functional dopamine-sensing riboswitches that regulate gene expression in a freeze-dried CFE reaction. We then develop an assay for direct detection and semi-quantification of dopamine in human urine. We anticipate that this work will be broadly applicable for converting many in vitro-generated RNA aptamers into fieldable molecular diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V Harbaugh
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Adam D Silverman
- Sherlock Biosciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, United States
| | - Yaroslav G Chushak
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Dayton, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Kathryn Zimlich
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Dayton, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Monica Wolfe
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States.,UES, Inc., Dayton, Ohio 45432, United States
| | - Walter Thavarajah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute of Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,International Institute of Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jorge L Chávez
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States
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78
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Guan Y, Chen X, Shao B, Ji X, Xiang Y, Jiang G, Xu L, Lin Z, Ouyang Q, Lou C. Mitigating Host Burden of Genetic Circuits by Engineering Autonegatively Regulated Parts and Improving Functional Prediction. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2361-2371. [PMID: 35772024 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mitigating unintended interferences between circuits and host cells is key to realize applications of synthetic regulatory systems both for bacteria and mammalian cells. Here, we demonstrated that growth burden and circuit dysregulation occurred in a concentration-dependent manner for specific transcription factors (CymR*/CymR) in E.coli, and direct negative feedback modules were able to control the concentration of CymR*/CymR, mitigate growth burden, and restore circuit functions. A quantitative design scheme was developed for circuits embedded with autorepression modules. Four key parameters were theoretically identified to determine the performance of autoregulated switches and were experimentally modified by fine-tuning promoter architectures and cooperativity. Using this strategy, we synthesized a number of switches and demonstrated its improvement of product titers and host growth controlling the complex deoxyviolacein biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, we restored functions of a dysregulated multilayer NOR gate by integrating autorepression modules. Our work provides a blueprint for engineering host-adaptable synthetic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China.,Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinmao Chen
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bin Shao
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiangyu Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100149, China
| | - Yanhui Xiang
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guoqiang Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lina Xu
- National Protein Science Facility, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhanglin Lin
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qi Ouyang
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunbo Lou
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100149, China
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79
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Chen SY, Zhang Y, Li R, Wang B, Ye BC. De Novo Design of the ArsR Regulated P ars Promoter Enables a Highly Sensitive Whole-Cell Biosensor for Arsenic Contamination. Anal Chem 2022; 94:7210-7218. [PMID: 35537205 PMCID: PMC9134189 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Whole-cell biosensors for arsenic contamination are typically designed based on natural bacterial sensing systems, which are often limited by their poor performance for precisely tuning the genetic response to environmental stimuli. Promoter design remains one of the most important approaches to address such issues. Here, we use the arsenic-responsive ArsR-Pars regulation system from Escherichia coli MG1655 as the sensing element and coupled gfp or lacZ as the reporter gene to construct the genetic circuit for characterizing the refactored promoters. We first analyzed the ArsR binding site and a library of RNA polymerase binding sites to mine potential promoter sequences. A set of tightly regulated Pars promoters by ArsR was designed by placing the ArsR binding sites into the promoter's core region, and a novel promoter with maximal repression efficiency and optimal fold change was obtained. The fluorescence sensor PlacV-ParsOC2 constructed with the optimized ParsOC2 promoter showed a fold change of up to 63.80-fold (with green fluorescence visible to the naked eye) at 9.38 ppb arsenic, and the limit of detection was as low as 0.24 ppb. Further, the optimized colorimetric sensor PlacV-ParsOC2-lacZ with a linear response between 0 and 5 ppb was used to perform colorimetric reactions in 24-well plates combined with a smartphone application for the quantification of the arsenic level in groundwater. This study offers a new approach to improve the performance of bacterial sensing promoters and will facilitate the on-site application of arsenic whole-cell biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yan Chen
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi
University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi
University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Renjie Li
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi
University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- College
of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific
and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou 311200, China,Research
Center of Biological Computation, Zhejiang
Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China,Centre
for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, United Kingdom,
| | - Bang-Ce Ye
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi
University, Shihezi 832003, China,Institute
of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center
of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China,Lab of Biosystem
and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China,. Tel/Fax: 0086-21-64252094
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80
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Xue Y, Qiu T, Sun Z, Liu F, Yu B. Mercury bioremediation by engineered Pseudomonas putida KT2440 with adaptationally optimized biosecurity circuit. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3022-3036. [PMID: 35555952 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hazardous materials, such as heavy metals, are the major sources of health risk. Using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to dispose heavy metals has the advantages of strong environmental compatibility and high efficiency. However, the biosecurity of GMOs used in the environment is a major concern. In this study, a self-controlled genetic circuit was designed and carefully fine-tuned for programmable expression in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, which is a widely used strain for environmental bioremediation. The cell behaviours were controlled by automatically sensing the variation of Hg2+ concentration without any inducer requirement or manual interventions. More than 98% Hg2+ was adsorbed by the engineered strain with a high cell recovery rate of 96% from waterbody. The remaining cells were killed by the suicide module after the mission was accomplished. The escape frequency of the engineered P. putida strain was lower than 10-9 , which meets the recommendation of US NIH guideline for GMOs release (<10-8 ). The same performance was achieved in a model experiment by using natural lake water with addition of Hg2+ . The microbial diversity analysis further confirmed that the remediation process made little impact on the indigenous ecosystem. Thus, this study provides a practical method for environmental remediation by using GMOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological & Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tianlei Qiu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Zhi Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological & Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Feixia Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological & Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bo Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological & Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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81
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Wang T, Lu Y. Advances, Challenges and Future Trends of Cell-Free Transcription-Translation Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050318. [PMID: 35624619 PMCID: PMC9138237 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the application of cell-free protein synthesis systems in biosensing has been developing rapidly. Cell-free synthetic biology, with its advantages of high biosafety, fast material transport, and high sensitivity, has overcome many defects of cell-based biosensors and provided an abiotic substitute for biosensors. In addition, the application of freeze-drying technology has improved the stability of such systems, making it possible to realize point-of-care application of field detection and broadening the application prospects of cell-free biosensors. However, despite these advancements, challenges such as the risk of sample interference due to the lack of physical barriers, maintenance of activity during storage, and poor robustness still need to be addressed before the full potential of cell-free biosensors can be realized on a larger scale. In this review, current strategies and research results for improving the performance of cell-free biosensors are summarized, including a comprehensive discussion of the existing challenges, future trends, and potential investments needed for improvement.
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82
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Synthetic nonlinear computation for genetic circuit design. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 76:102727. [PMID: 35525177 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Computation frameworks have been studied in synthetic biology to achieve biosignals integration and processing, for biosensing and therapeutics applications. Biological systems exhibit nonlinearity across scales from the molecular level, to biochemical network and intercellular systems. At the molecular level, cooperative bindings contribute to nonlinear molecular signal processing in a way similar to weight variables. At the intracellular network level, feedback and feedforward regulations result in cell behaviors such as multistability and adaptation. When biochemical networks are distributed in different cell groups, intercelluar networks can generate population dynamics. Here, we review works that highlight nonlinear computations in synthetic biology. We group the works according to the scale of implementations, from the cis-transcription level, to biochemical circuit level and cellular networks.
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83
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van der Linden AJ, Pieters PA, Bartelds MW, Nathalia BL, Yin P, Huck WTS, Kim J, de Greef TFA. DNA Input Classification by a Riboregulator-Based Cell-Free Perceptron. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1510-1520. [PMID: 35381174 PMCID: PMC9016768 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The ability to recognize molecular patterns is essential for the continued survival of biological organisms, allowing them to sense and respond to their immediate environment. The design of synthetic gene-based classifiers has been explored previously; however, prior strategies have focused primarily on DNA strand-displacement reactions. Here, we present a synthetic in vitro transcription and translation (TXTL)-based perceptron consisting of a weighted sum operation (WSO) coupled to a downstream thresholding function. We demonstrate the application of toehold switch riboregulators to construct a TXTL-based WSO circuit that converts DNA inputs into a GFP output, the concentration of which correlates to the input pattern and the corresponding weights. We exploit the modular nature of the WSO circuit by changing the output protein to the Escherichia coli σ28-factor, facilitating the coupling of the WSO output to a downstream reporter network. The subsequent introduction of a σ28 inhibitor enabled thresholding of the WSO output such that the expression of the downstream reporter protein occurs only when the produced σ28 exceeds this threshold. In this manner, we demonstrate a genetically implemented perceptron capable of binary classification, i.e., the expression of a single output protein only when the desired minimum number of inputs is exceeded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardjan J. van der Linden
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal A. Pieters
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mart W. Bartelds
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bryan L. Nathalia
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Peng Yin
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Wilhelm T. S. Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
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84
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Liu Y, Pinto F, Wan X, Yang Z, Peng S, Li M, Cooper JM, Xie Z, French CE, Wang B. Reprogrammed tracrRNAs enable repurposing of RNAs as crRNAs and sequence-specific RNA biosensors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1937. [PMID: 35410423 PMCID: PMC9001733 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29604-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In type II CRISPR systems, the guide RNA (gRNA) comprises a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and a hybridized trans-acting CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA), both being essential in guided DNA targeting functions. Although tracrRNAs are diverse in sequence and structure across type II CRISPR systems, the programmability of crRNA-tracrRNA hybridization for Cas9 is not fully understood. Here, we reveal the programmability of crRNA-tracrRNA hybridization for Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9, and in doing so, redefine the capabilities of Cas9 proteins and the sources of crRNAs, providing new biosensing applications for type II CRISPR systems. By reprogramming the crRNA-tracrRNA hybridized sequence, we show that engineered crRNA-tracrRNA interactions can not only enable the design of orthogonal cellular computing devices but also facilitate the hijacking of endogenous small RNAs/mRNAs as crRNAs. We subsequently describe how these re-engineered gRNA pairings can be implemented as RNA sensors, capable of monitoring the transcriptional activity of various environment-responsive genomic genes, or detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in vitro, as an Atypical gRNA-activated Transcription Halting Alarm (AGATHA) biosensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & Hangzhou Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311200, China
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Filipe Pinto
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Xinyi Wan
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Zhugen Yang
- Research Centre for Biological Computation, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, 311100, China
- Cranfield Water Science Institute, School of Water, Environment and Energy, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Shuguang Peng
- Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Centre for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mengxi Li
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Jonathan M Cooper
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Zhen Xie
- Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Centre for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Christopher E French
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University International Campus, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & Hangzhou Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311200, China.
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK.
- Research Centre for Biological Computation, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University International Campus, Haining, 314400, China.
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85
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Sahu S, Roy R, Anand R. Harnessing the Potential of Biological Recognition Elements for Water Pollution Monitoring. ACS Sens 2022; 7:704-715. [PMID: 35275620 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c02579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental monitoring of pollutants is an imperative first step to remove the genotoxic, embryotoxic, and carcinogenic toxins. Various biological sensing elements such as proteins, aptamers, whole cells, etc., have been used to track down major pollutants, including heavy metals, aromatic pollutants, pathogenic microorganisms, and pesticides in both environmental samples and drinking water, demonstrating their potential in a true sense. The intermixed use of nanomaterials, electronics, and microfluidic systems has further improved the design and enabled robust on-site detection with enhanced sensitivity. Through this perspective, we shed light on the advances in the field and entail recent efforts to optimize these systems for real-time, online sensing and on-site field monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhankar Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Rohita Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Ruchi Anand
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
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86
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Zhang Y, Zou ZP, Chen SY, Wei WP, Zhou Y, Ye BC. Design and optimization of E. coli artificial genetic circuits for detection of explosive composition 2,4-dinitrotoluene. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 207:114205. [PMID: 35339074 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The detection of mine-based explosives poses a serious threat to the lives of deminers, and carcinogenic residues may cause severe environmental pollution. Whole-cell biosensors that can detect on-site in dangerous or inaccessible environments have great potential to replace conventional methods. Synthetic biology based on engineering modularity serves as a new tool that could be used to engineer microbes to acquire desired functions through artificial design and precise regulation. In this study, we designed artificial genetic circuits in Escherichia coli MG1655 by reconstructing the transcription factor YhaJ-based system to detect explosive composition 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). These genetic circuits were optimized at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. The binding affinity of the transcription factor YhaJ with inducer 2,4-DNT metabolites was enhanced via directed evolution, and several activator binding sites were inserted in sensing yqjF promoter (PyqjF) to further improve the output level. The optimized biosensor PyqjF×2-TEV-(mYhaJ + GFP)-Ssr had a maximum induction ratio of 189 with green fluorescent signal output, and it could perceive at least 1 μg/mL 2,4-DNT. Its effective and robust performance was verified in different water samples. Our results demonstrate the use of synthetic biology tools to systematically optimize the performance of sensors for 2,4-DNT detection, that lay the foundation for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Zhen-Ping Zou
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Sheng-Yan Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Wen-Ping Wei
- Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bang-Ce Ye
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China; Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
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87
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Wu T, Chen Z, Guo S, Zhang C, Huo YX. Engineering Transcription Factor BmoR Mutants for Constructing Multifunctional Alcohol Biosensors. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1251-1260. [PMID: 35175734 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Native transcription factor-based biosensors (TFBs) have the potential for the in situ detection of value-added chemicals or byproducts. However, their industrial application is limited by their ligand promiscuity, low sensitivity, and narrow detection range. Alcohols exhibit similar structures, and no reported TFB can distinguish a specific alcohol from its analogues. Here, we engineered an alcohol-regulated transcription factor, BmoR, and obtained various mutants with remarkable properties. For example, the generated signal-molecule-specific BmoRs could distinguish the constitutional isomers n-butanol and isobutanol, with insensitivity up to an ethanol concentration of 800 mM (36.9 g/L). Linear detection of 0-60 mM of a specific higher alcohol could be achieved in the presence of up to 500 mM (23.0 g/L) ethanol as background noise. Furthermore, we obtained two mutants with raised outputs and over 107-fold higher sensitivity and one mutant with an increased upper detection limit (14.8 g/L n-butanol or isobutanol). Using BmoR as an example, this study systematically explored the ultimate detection limit of a TFB toward its small-molecule ligands, paving the way for in situ detection in biofuel and wine industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5 South Zhongguancun Street, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Zhenya Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5 South Zhongguancun Street, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Shuyuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5 South Zhongguancun Street, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Cuiying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Industrial Microbiology Key Laboratory, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 9 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone, 300457 Tianjin, China
| | - Yi-Xin Huo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5 South Zhongguancun Street, 100081 Beijing, China
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88
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Moya-Ramírez I, Kotidis P, Marbiah M, Kim J, Kontoravdi C, Polizzi K. Polymer Encapsulation of Bacterial Biosensors Enables Coculture with Mammalian Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1303-1312. [PMID: 35245022 PMCID: PMC9007569 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Coexistence of different populations of cells and isolation of tasks can provide enhanced robustness and adaptability or impart new functionalities to a culture. However, generating stable cocultures involving cells with vastly different growth rates can be challenging. To address this, we developed living analytics in a multilayer polymer shell (LAMPS), an encapsulation method that facilitates the coculture of mammalian and bacterial cells. We leverage LAMPS to preprogram a separation of tasks within the coculture: growth and therapeutic protein production by the mammalian cells and l-lactate biosensing by Escherichia coli encapsulated within LAMPS. LAMPS enable the formation of a synthetic bacterial-mammalian cell interaction that enables a living biosensor to be integrated into a biomanufacturing process. Our work serves as a proof-of-concept for further applications in bioprocessing since LAMPS combine the simplicity and flexibility of a bacterial biosensor with a viable method to prevent runaway growth that would disturb mammalian cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Moya-Ramírez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Pavlos Kotidis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Masue Marbiah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Juhyun Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Cleo Kontoravdi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Polizzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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89
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Tickman BI, Burbano DA, Chavali VP, Kiattisewee C, Fontana J, Khakimzhan A, Noireaux V, Zalatan JG, Carothers JM. Multi-layer CRISPRa/i circuits for dynamic genetic programs in cell-free and bacterial systems. Cell Syst 2022; 13:215-229.e8. [PMID: 34800362 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas transcriptional circuits hold great promise as platforms for engineering metabolic networks and information processing circuits. Historically, prokaryotic CRISPR control systems have been limited to CRISPRi. Creating approaches to integrate CRISPRa for transcriptional activation with existing CRISPRi-based systems would greatly expand CRISPR circuit design space. Here, we develop design principles for engineering prokaryotic CRISPRa/i genetic circuits with network topologies specified by guide RNAs. We demonstrate that multi-layer CRISPRa/i cascades and feedforward loops can operate through the regulated expression of guide RNAs in cell-free expression systems and E. coli. We show that CRISPRa/i circuits can program complex functions by designing type 1 incoherent feedforward loops acting as fold-change detectors and tunable pulse-generators. By investigating how component characteristics relate to network properties such as depth, width, and speed, this work establishes a framework for building scalable CRISPRa/i circuits as regulatory programs in cell-free expression systems and bacterial hosts. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin I Tickman
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Diego Alba Burbano
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Venkata P Chavali
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Cholpisit Kiattisewee
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jason Fontana
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Aset Khakimzhan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jesse G Zalatan
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - James M Carothers
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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90
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Mahas A, Wang Q, Marsic T, Mahfouz MM. Development of Cas12a-Based Cell-Free Small-Molecule Biosensors via Allosteric Regulation of CRISPR Array Expression. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4617-4626. [PMID: 35266687 PMCID: PMC8943526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Cell-free biosensors
can detect various molecules, thus promising
to transform the landscape of diagnostics. Here, we developed a simple,
rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable small-molecule detection platform
based on allosteric transcription factor (aTF)-regulated expression
of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)
array coupled to Cas12a activity. To this end, we engineered an expression
cassette harboring a T7 promoter, an aTF binding sequence, a Cas12a
CRISPR array, and protospacer adjacent motif-flanked Cas12a target
sequences. In the presence of the ligand, dissociation of the aTF
allows transcription of the CRISPR array; this leads to activation
of Cas12a collateral activity, which cleaves a single-stranded DNA
linker to free a quenched fluorophore, resulting in a rapid, significant
increase of fluorescence. As a proof of concept, we used TetR as the
aTF to detect different tetracycline antibiotics with high sensitivity
and specificity and a simple, hand-held visualizer to develop a fluorescence-based
visual readout. We also adapted a mobile phone application to further
simplify the interpretation of the results. Finally, we showed that
the reagents could be lyophilized to facilitate storage and distribution.
This detection platform represents a valuable addition to the toolbox
of cell-free, CRISPR-based biosensors, with great potential for in-field
deployment to detect non-nucleic acid small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mahas
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tin Marsic
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdy M Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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91
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Qin J, Wang W, Gao L, Yao SQ. Emerging biosensing and transducing techniques for potential applications in point-of-care diagnostics. Chem Sci 2022; 13:2857-2876. [PMID: 35382472 PMCID: PMC8905799 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06269g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the deepening of our understanding in life science, molecular biology, nanotechnology, optics, electrochemistry and other areas, an increasing number of biosensor design strategies have emerged in recent years, capable of providing potential practical applications for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis in various human diseases. Compared to conventional biosensors, the latest POC biosensor research aims at improving sensor precision, cost-effectiveness and time-consumption, as well as the development of versatile detection strategies to achieve multiplexed analyte detection in a single device and enable rapid diagnosis and high-throughput screening. In this review, various intriguing strategies in the recognition and transduction of POC (from 2018 to 2021) are described in light of recent advances in CRISPR technology, electrochemical biosensing, and optical- or spectra-based biosensing. From the perspective of promoting emerging bioanalytical tools into practical POC detecting and diagnostic applications, we have summarized key advances made in this field in recent years and presented our own perspectives on future POC development and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Qin
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore 4 Science Drive 2 Singapore 117544
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore 4 Science Drive 2 Singapore 117544
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University Shenzhen 518107 P. R. China
| | - Liqian Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University Shenzhen 518107 P. R. China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore 4 Science Drive 2 Singapore 117544
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92
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Programming cell-free biosensors with DNA strand displacement circuits. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:385-393. [PMID: 35177837 PMCID: PMC8964419 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00962-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free biosensors are powerful platforms for monitoring human and environmental health. Here, we expand their capabilities by interfacing them with toehold-mediated strand displacement circuits, a dynamic DNA nanotechnology that enables molecular computation through programmable interactions between nucleic acid strands. We develop design rules for interfacing a small molecule sensing platform called ROSALIND with toehold-mediated strand displacement to construct hybrid RNA–DNA circuits that allow fine-tuning of reaction kinetics. We use these design rules to build 12 different circuits that implement a range of logic functions (NOT, OR, AND, IMPLY, NOR, NIMPLY, NAND). Finally, we demonstrate a circuit that acts like an analog-to-digital converter to create a series of binary outputs that encode the concentration range of the molecule being detected. We believe this work establishes a pathway to create ‘smart’ diagnostics that use molecular computations to enhance the speed and utility of biosensors. ![]()
Equipping ROSALIND, a cell-free biosensing platform, with information processing circuits based on toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement enhances sensor performance and enables logic gate computation.
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93
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A Recombinase-Based Genetic Circuit for Heavy Metal Monitoring. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020122. [PMID: 35200383 PMCID: PMC8870050 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rapid progress in the genetic circuit design enabled whole-cell biosensors (WCBs) to become prominent in detecting an extensive range of analytes with promise in many fields, from medical diagnostics to environmental toxicity assessment. However, several drawbacks, such as high background signal or low precision, limit WCBs to transfer from proof-of-concept studies to real-world applications, particularly for heavy metal toxicity monitoring. For an alternative WCB module design, we utilized Bxb1 recombinase that provides tight control as a switch to increase dose-response behavior concerning leakiness. The modularity of Bxb1 recombinase recognition elements allowed us to combine an engineered semi-specific heat shock response (HSR) promoter, sensitive to stress conditions including toxic ions such as cadmium, with cadmium resistance regulatory elements; a cadmium-responsive transcription factor and its cognitive promoter. We optimized the conditions for the recombinase-based cadmium biosensor to obtain increased fold change and shorter response time. This system can be expanded for various heavy metals to make an all-in-one type of WCB, even using semi-specific parts of a sensing system.
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94
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Elad T, Shemer B, Simanowitz S, Kabessa Y, Mizrachi Y, Gold A, Shpigel E, Agranat AJ, Belkin S. Enhancing DNT Detection by a Bacterial Bioreporter: Directed Evolution of the Transcriptional Activator YhaJ. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:821835. [PMID: 35237579 PMCID: PMC8882911 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.821835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of buried landmines is a dangerous and complicated task that consumes large financial resources and poses significant risks to the personnel involved. A potential alternative to conventional detection methodologies is the use of microbial bioreporters, capable of emitting an optical signal upon exposure to explosives, thus revealing to a remote detector the location of buried explosive devices. We have previously reported the design, construction, and optimization of an Escherichia coli-based bioreporter for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its accompanying impurity 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). Here we describe the further enhancement of this bioreporter by the directed evolution of YhaJ, the transcriptional activator of the yqjF gene promoter, the sensing element of the bioreporter's molecular circuit. This process resulted in a 37-fold reduction of the detection threshold, as well as significant enhancements to signal intensity and response time, rendering this sensor strain more suitable for detecting the minute concentrations of DNT in the soil above buried landmines. The capability of this enhanced bioreporter to detect DNT buried in sand is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Elad
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin Shemer
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shilat Simanowitz
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yossef Kabessa
- Department of Applied Physics and the Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yosef Mizrachi
- Department of Applied Physics and the Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Azriel Gold
- Department of Applied Physics and the Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Etai Shpigel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aharon J. Agranat
- Department of Applied Physics and the Brojde Center for Innovative Engineering and Computer Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shimshon Belkin
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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95
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Miller CA, Ho JML, Bennett MR. Strategies for Improving Small-Molecule Biosensors in Bacteria. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020064. [PMID: 35200325 PMCID: PMC8869690 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, small-molecule biosensors have become increasingly important in synthetic biology and biochemistry, with numerous new applications continuing to be developed throughout the field. For many biosensors, however, their utility is hindered by poor functionality. Here, we review the known types of mechanisms of biosensors within bacterial cells, and the types of approaches for optimizing different biosensor functional parameters. Discussed approaches for improving biosensor functionality include methods of directly engineering biosensor genes, considerations for choosing genetic reporters, approaches for tuning gene expression, and strategies for incorporating additional genetic modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corwin A. Miller
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
| | - Joanne M. L. Ho
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
| | - Matthew R. Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Correspondence:
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96
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Zhang G, Yang X, Zhao Z, Xu T, Jia X. Artificial Consortium of Three E. coli BL21 Strains with Synergistic Functional Modules for Complete Phenanthrene Degradation. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:162-175. [PMID: 34914358 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly toxic and persistent organic pollutions that can accumulate in the environment. In this study, an aromatic ring cleavage module, a salicylic acid synthesis module, and a catechol metabolism module were respectively constructed in three Escherichia coli BL21 strains. Subsequently, the engineered strains were cocultured as an artificial consortium for the biodegradation of phenanthrene, a typical PHA. Single factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to identify the optimal degradation conditions, including an inoculation interval of 6 h, inoculation ratio of 1:1:1, and IPTG concentration of 2 mM. Under these conditions, the 7-day degradation ratio of 100 mg/L phenanthrene reached 72.67%. Moreover, the engineered Escherichia coli BL21 strains showed good phenanthrene degradation ability at substrate concentrations 10 mg/L up to 500 mg/L. Enzyme activity assays combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements confirmed that the three engineered strains behaved as a synergistic consortium in the phenanthrene degradation process. Based on the analysis of the key metabolites, the engineered bacteria were supplemented at 7-day intervals in batches so that each engineered strain maintained its optimal degradation ability. The 21-day degradation ratio finally reached 90.66%, which was much higher than what was observed with simultaneous inoculation. These findings suggest that the three engineered strains with separate modules constructed in this study offer an attractive solution for removing PAHs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangbao Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Jia
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
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97
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98
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Belkin S, Wang B. Sense and sensibility: of synthetic biology and the redesign of bioreporter circuits. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:103-106. [PMID: 34689402 PMCID: PMC8719829 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shimshon Belkin
- Institute of Life Sciencesthe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem9190401Israel
| | - Baojun Wang
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FFUK
- Hangzhou Innovation Center and College of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou311200China
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99
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Zúñiga A, Camacho M, Chang HJ, Fristot E, Mayonove P, Hani EH, Bonnet J. Engineered l-Lactate Responding Promoter System Operating in Glucose-Rich and Anoxic Environments. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3527-3536. [PMID: 34851606 PMCID: PMC8689689 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria equipped with genetically encoded lactate biosensors are promising tools for biopharmaceutical production, diagnostics, and cellular therapies. However, many applications involve glucose-rich and anoxic environments, in which current whole-cell lactate biosensors show low performance. Here we engineer an optimized, synthetic lactate biosensor system by repurposing the natural LldPRD promoter regulated by the LldR transcriptional regulator. We removed glucose catabolite and anoxic repression by designing a hybrid promoter, containing LldR operators and tuned both regulator and reporter gene expressions to optimize biosensor signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting lactate biosensor, termed ALPaGA (A Lactate Promoter Operating in Glucose and Anoxia), can operate in glucose-rich, aerobic and anoxic conditions. We show that ALPaGA works reliably in the probiotic chassisEscherichia coliNissle 1917 and can detect endogenous l-lactate produced by 3D tumor spheroids with an improved dynamic range. In the future, the ALPaGA system could be used to monitor bioproduction processes and improve the specificity of engineered bacterial cancer therapies by restricting their activity to the lactate-rich microenvironment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Zúñiga
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Miguel Camacho
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Hung-Ju Chang
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Elsa Fristot
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Pauline Mayonove
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - El-Habib Hani
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Jerome Bonnet
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
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100
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Lopreside A, Montali L, Wang B, Tassoni A, Ferri M, Calabretta MM, Michelini E. Orthogonal paper biosensor for mercury(II) combining bioluminescence and colorimetric smartphone detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 194:113569. [PMID: 34438340 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mercury contamination in the environment has reached alarming levels. Due to its persistence and bioaccumulation, mercury is one of the most widespread toxic heavy metals found in air, water and food. Thus, it is mandatory to monitor mercury and its compounds, and the availability of sensitive and rapid biosensors is highly valuable. We developed a low-cost biosensor for orthogonal detection of mercury(II) integrating three different biorecognition principles on a three-leaf paper: i) a mercury-specific bioluminescent Escherichia coli bioreporter strain expressing NanoLuc luciferase as reporter protein, ii) a purified β-galactosidase (β-gal) enzyme which is irreversibly inhibited by mercury and other metal ions, and iii) an Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescent strain which is used to quantitatively assess sample toxicity and correct the analytical signal accordingly. Both sensory elements and substrates, Furimazine for the bioluminescent reporter strain and chlorophenol red-β-D-galactopyranoside for colorimetric detection of β-gal, were integrated in the paper sensor to provide a stable all-in-one disposable cartridge which can be easily snapped into a smartphone with a clover-shaped 3D printed housing. This is the first integration of bioluminescence and colorimetric detection on a smartphone-paper sensor, providing a readout within 15 and 60 min for the colorimetric and bioluminescent detection respectively. The biosensor was applied to water samples spiked with different concentrations of mercury, interferents and toxic chemicals providing a limit of detection for Hg(II) at the ppb levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Lopreside
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Montali
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Baojun Wang
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Hangzhou Innovation Center, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311200, China
| | - Annalisa Tassoni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maura Ferri
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Civil, Chemical Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Calabretta
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elisa Michelini
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy; Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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