1
|
Wang Z, Ma R, Chen B, Yu X, Wang X, Zuo X, Liang B, Yang J. A transcription factor-based bacterial biosensor system and its application for on-site detection of explosives. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 244:115805. [PMID: 37948915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Detecting unexploded landmines is critical due to the environmental pollution and potential humanitarian risks caused by buried landmines. Therefore, this study focused on developing a biosensor system capable of detecting explosives safely and efficiently. A novel transcription factor-based Escherichia coli biosensor was designed to detect 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB). The MexT transcription factor from Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) was identified as the fundamental sensing element in this biosensor. The study found that MexT positively regulated the transcription of PP_2827 by binding to the bidirectional promoter region between them, and significantly enhanced the expression of downstream genes under the condition of 1,3-DNB. The MexT-based biosensor for 1,3-DNB was developed by adopting different combinations of the mexT gene and promoters. The optimized biosensor demonstrated adequate sensitivity for detecting 0.1 μg/mL of 1,3-DNB in a liquid solution with satisfactory specificity and long-term stability. Subsequently, the MexT-based biosensor was integrated into a detection device to simulate the in-field exploration of explosives. The system exhibited a detection sensitivity of 0.5 mg/kg for 1,3-DNB in the sand, and realized the detection of on-site and large-scale area and the location of buried 1,3-DNB under the soil. The study provided a novel transcription factor-based bacterial biosensor and a complete system (China Earth Eye, CEE) for sensitive detection of 1,3-DNB. The good performance of this biosensor system can facilitate the development of accurate, on-site, and high-efficient exploration of explosives in real extensive minefields. Moreover, this 1,3-DNB biosensor can be complementary to the 2,4-DNT biosensor reported before, demonstrating its potential applications in military situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaobao Wang
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China
| | - Ran Ma
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China
| | - Bingjing Chen
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Yu
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China
| | - Xue Wang
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China
| | - Xinyun Zuo
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China
| | - Bo Liang
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China.
| | - Jianming Yang
- Energy-rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou GJ, Zhang F. Applications and Tuning Strategies for Transcription Factor-Based Metabolite Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:428. [PMID: 37185503 PMCID: PMC10136082 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factor (TF)-based biosensors are widely used for the detection of metabolites and the regulation of cellular pathways in response to metabolites. Several challenges hinder the direct application of TF-based sensors to new hosts or metabolic pathways, which often requires extensive tuning to achieve the optimal performance. These tuning strategies can involve transcriptional or translational control depending on the parameter of interest. In this review, we highlight recent strategies for engineering TF-based biosensors to obtain the desired performance and discuss additional design considerations that may influence a biosensor's performance. We also examine applications of these sensors and suggest important areas for further work to continue the advancement of small-molecule biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria J. Zhou
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA;
| | - Fuzhong Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA;
- Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Song N, Tian Y, Luo Z, Dai J, Liu Y, Duan Y. Advances in pretreatment and analysis methods of aromatic hydrocarbons in soil. RSC Adv 2022; 12:6099-6113. [PMID: 35424557 PMCID: PMC8981609 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08633b] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzene compounds that are prevalent in the soil as organic pollutants mainly include BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and three xylene isomers) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). These pose a severe threat to many aspects of human health. Therefore, the accurate measurement of BTEX and PAHs concentrations in the soil is of great importance. The samples for analysis of BTEX and PAHs need to be suitable for the various detection methods after pretreatment, which include Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction, solid-phase microextraction, supercritical extraction, and needle trap. The detection techniques mainly consist of gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), and online sensors, and provide comprehensive information on contaminants in the soil. Their performance is evaluated in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and recovery. Recently, there has been rapid progress in the pretreatment and analysis methods for the quantitative and qualitative analyses of BTEX and PAHs. Therefore, it is necessary to produce a timely and in-depth review of the emerging pretreatment and analysis methods, which is unfortunately absent from the recent literature. In this work, state-of-art extraction techniques and analytical methods have been summarized for the determination of BTEX and PAHs in soil, with a particular focus on the potential and limitations of the respective methods for different aromatic hydrocarbons. Accordingly, the paper will describe the basic methodological knowledge, as well as the recent advancement of pretreatment and analysis methods for samples containing BTEX and PAHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Song
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi 710069 P. R.China
| | - Yonghui Tian
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi 710069 P. R.China
| | - Zewei Luo
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi 710069 P. R.China
| | - Jianxiong Dai
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi 710069 P. R.China
| | - Yan Liu
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi 710069 P. R.China
| | - Yixiang Duan
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University Xi'an Shaanxi 710069 P. R.China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roy R, Ray S, Chowdhury A, Anand R. Tunable Multiplexed Whole-Cell Biosensors as Environmental Diagnostics for ppb-Level Detection of Aromatic Pollutants. ACS Sens 2021; 6:1933-1939. [PMID: 33973468 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aromatics such as phenols, benzene, and toluene are carcinogenic xenobiotics which are known to pollute water resources. By employing synthetic biology approaches combined with a structure-guided design, we created a tunable array of whole-cell biosensors (WCBs). The MopR genetic system that has the natural ability to sense and degrade phenol was adapted to detect phenol down to ∼1 ppb, making this sensor capable of directly detecting phenol in permissible limits in drinking water. Importantly, by using a single WCB design, we engineered mutations into the MopR gene that enabled generation of a battery of sensors for a wide array of pollutants. The engineered WCBs were able to sense inert compounds like benzene and xylene which lack active functional groups, without any loss in sensitivity. Overall, this universal programmable biosensor platform can be used to create WCBs that can be deployed on field for rapid testing and screening of suitable drinking water sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohita Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Shamayeeta Ray
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Arindam Chowdhury
- 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
- DBT-Welcome Trust India Alliance Senior Fellow, Mumbai 400076, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zeng N, Wu Y, Chen W, Huang Q, Cai P. Whole-Cell Microbial Bioreporter for Soil Contaminants Detection. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:622994. [PMID: 33708764 PMCID: PMC7940511 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.622994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have released various contaminants into soil that pose a serious threat to the ecosystem and human well-being. Compared to conventional analytical methodologies, microbial cell-based bioreporters are offering a flexible, rapid, and cost-effective strategy to assess the environmental risks. This review aims to summarize the recent progress in the application of bioreporters in soil contamination detection and provide insight into the challenges and current strategies. The biosensing principles and genetic circuit engineering are introduced. Developments of bioreporters to detect and quantify heavy metal and organic contaminants in soil are reviewed. Moreover, future opportunities of whole-cell bioreporters for soil contamination monitoring are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yichao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaoyun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gaffney EM, Simoska O, Minteer SD. The Use of Electroactive Halophilic Bacteria for Improvements and Advancements in Environmental High Saline Biosensing. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11020048. [PMID: 33673343 PMCID: PMC7917972 DOI: 10.3390/bios11020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Halophilic bacteria are remarkable organisms that have evolved strategies to survive in high saline concentrations. These bacteria offer many advances for microbial-based biotechnologies and are commonly used for industrial processes such as compatible solute synthesis, biofuel production, and other microbial processes that occur in high saline environments. Using halophilic bacteria in electrochemical systems offers enhanced stability and applications in extreme environments where common electroactive microorganisms would not survive. Incorporating halophilic bacteria into microbial fuel cells has become of particular interest for renewable energy generation and self-powered biosensing since many wastewaters can contain fluctuating and high saline concentrations. In this perspective, we highlight the evolutionary mechanisms of halophilic microorganisms, review their application in microbial electrochemical sensing, and offer future perspectives and directions in using halophilic electroactive microorganisms for high saline biosensing.
Collapse
|
9
|
Camarca A, Varriale A, Capo A, Pennacchio A, Calabrese A, Giannattasio C, Murillo Almuzara C, D’Auria S, Staiano M. Emergent Biosensing Technologies Based on Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Surface Plasmon Resonance. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:906. [PMID: 33572812 PMCID: PMC7866296 DOI: 10.3390/s21030906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to provide an exhaustive overview of the emerging biosensor technologies for the detection of analytes of interest for food, environment, security, and health. Over the years, biosensors have acquired increasing importance in a wide range of applications due to synergistic studies of various scientific disciplines, determining their great commercial potential and revealing how nanotechnology and biotechnology can be strictly connected. In the present scenario, biosensors have increased their detection limit and sensitivity unthinkable until a few years ago. The most widely used biosensors are optical-based devices such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors and fluorescence-based biosensors. Here, we will review them by highlighting how the progress in their design and development could impact our daily life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Camarca
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Antonio Varriale
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
- URT-ISA at Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Capo
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Angela Pennacchio
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessia Calabrese
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Cristina Giannattasio
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Carlos Murillo Almuzara
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Sabato D’Auria
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Staiano
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.C.); (A.V.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (C.G.); (C.M.A.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun Z, Popp PF, Loderer C, Revilla-Guarinos A. Genetically Engineered Bacterial Biohybrid Microswimmers for Sensing Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 20:E180. [PMID: 31905650 PMCID: PMC6982730 DOI: 10.3390/s20010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biohybrid microswimmers aim at exploiting the inherent motion capabilities of bacteria (carriers) to transport objects (cargoes) at the microscale. One of the most desired properties of microswimmers is their ability to communicate with their immediate environment by processing the information and producing a useful response. Indeed, bacteria are naturally equipped with such communication skills. Hereby, two-component systems (TCSs) represent the key signal transducing machinery and enable bacteria to sense and respond to a variety of stimuli. We engineered a natural microswimmer based on the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis for the development of biohybrids with sensing abilities. B. subtilis naturally adhered to silica particles, giving rise to different motile biohybrids systems with variable ratios of carrier(s)-to-cargo(es). Genetically engineered TCS pathways allowed us to couple the binding to the inert particles with signaling the presence of antibiotics in their surroundings. Activation of the antibiotic-induced TCSs resulted in fluorescent bacterial carriers as a response readout. We demonstrate that the genetically engineered TCS-mediated signaling capabilities of B. subtilis allow for the custom design of bacterial hybrid microswimmers able to sense and signal the presence of target molecules in the environment. The generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status of B. subtilis makes it a promising candidate for human-related applications of these novel biohybrids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Sun
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp F. Popp
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph Loderer
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ainhoa Revilla-Guarinos
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cappello S, Cruz Viggi C, Yakimov M, Rossetti S, Matturro B, Molina L, Segura A, Marqués S, Yuste L, Sevilla E, Rojo F, Sherry A, Mejeha OK, Head IM, Malmquist L, Christensen JH, Kalogerakis N, Aulenta F. Combining electrokinetic transport and bioremediation for enhanced removal of crude oil from contaminated marine sediments: Results of a long-term, mesocosm-scale experiment. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 157:381-395. [PMID: 30974287 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.03.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Marine sediments represent an important sink of harmful petroleum hydrocarbons after an accidental oil spill. Electrobioremediation techniques, which combine electrokinetic transport and biodegradation processes, represent an emerging technological platform for a sustainable remediation of contaminated sediments. Here, we describe the results of a long-term mesocosm-scale electrobioremediation experiment for the treatment of marine sediments contaminated by crude oil. A dimensionally stable anode and a stainless-steel mesh cathode were employed to drive seawater electrolysis at a fixed current density of 11 A/m2. This approach allowed establishing conditions conducive to contaminants biodegradation, as confirmed by the enrichment of Alcanivorax borkumensis cells harboring the alkB-gene and other aerobic hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Oil chemistry analyses indicated that aromatic hydrocarbons were primarily removed from the sediment via electroosmosis and low molecular weight alkanes (nC6 to nC10) via biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Cappello
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment (IAMC), National Research Council (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - C Cruz Viggi
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - M Yakimov
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment (IAMC), National Research Council (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - S Rossetti
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - B Matturro
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - L Molina
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental Del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - A Segura
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental Del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - S Marqués
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental Del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - L Yuste
- Departamento de Biotecnología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - E Sevilla
- Departamento de Biotecnología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - F Rojo
- Departamento de Biotecnología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Sherry
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - O K Mejeha
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - I M Head
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - L Malmquist
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J H Christensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N Kalogerakis
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | - F Aulenta
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, RM, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Capo A, Pennacchio A, Varriale A, D'Auria S, Staiano M. The porcine odorant-binding protein as molecular probe for benzene detection. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202630. [PMID: 30183769 PMCID: PMC6124761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, air pollution has been a subject of great scientific and public interests for the strong impact on human health. Air pollution is due to the presence in the atmosphere of polluting substances, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), derived predominantly from various combustion processes. Benzene is a VOC belonging to group-I carcinogens with a toxicity widely demonstrated. The emission limit values and the daily exposure time to benzene (TLV-TWA) are 5μg/m3 (0.00157 ppm) and 1.6mg/m3 (0.5 ppm), respectively. Currently, expensive and time-consuming analytical methods are used for detection of benzene. These methods require to perform a few preliminary steps such as sampling, and matrices pre-treatments. In addition, it is also needed the support of specialized personnel. Recently, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) gas sensors with a limit detection (LOD) of 20 ppm were developed for benzene detection. Other innovative bioassay, called bio-report systems, were proposed. They use a whole cell (Pseudomona putida or Escherichia coli) as molecular recognition element and exhibit a LOD of about 10 μM. Here, we report on the design of a highly sensitive fluorescence assay for monitoring atmospheric level of benzene. For this purpose, we used as molecular recognition element the porcine odorant-binding protein (pOBP). 1-Aminoanthracene was selected as extrinsic fluorescence probe for designing a competitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay for benzene detection. The detection limit of our assay was 3.9μg/m3, a value lower than the actual emission limit value of benzene as regulated by European law.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Capo
- Institute of Food Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy
| | - Angela Pennacchio
- Institute of Food Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy
| | - Antonio Varriale
- Institute of Food Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy
| | - Sabato D'Auria
- Institute of Food Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy
| | - Maria Staiano
- Institute of Food Science, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Basu S, Rabara RC, Negi S, Shukla P. Engineering PGPMOs through Gene Editing and Systems Biology: A Solution for Phytoremediation? Trends Biotechnol 2018; 36:499-510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
14
|
Matilla MA. Novel pressure sensors and bioreporters in the synthetic biology era. Environ Microbiol 2017; 20:141-144. [PMID: 29230925 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Matilla
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Prof. Albareda 1, Granada 18008, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Segura A, Hernández-Sánchez V, Marqués S, Molina L. Insights in the regulation of the degradation of PAHs in Novosphingobium sp. HR1a and utilization of this regulatory system as a tool for the detection of PAHs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 590-591:381-393. [PMID: 28285855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Novosphingobium sp. HR1a is able to grow using diverse polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as the sole carbon sources. We have identified two transposons that contain genes encoding several ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases and we have demonstrated the crucial role of one of these dioxygenases in the PAH metabolism in this strain; a mutant in the large subunit of this dioxygenase was unable to growth with 2-, 3-, or 4-rings aromatic hydrocarbons. Using a construction of lacZ gene fused with the pathway promoter, we determined that the expression of the dioxygenase gene was specifically induced in the presence of some PAHs and intermediates of their metabolic pathway. In silico analysis of the ORFs within the transposons and construction of the corresponding knock-out mutants allowed us to identify the main regulatory protein involved in PAH degradation in Novosphingobium sp. HR1a. To our knowledge this is the first time that a regulatory protein controlling the degradation pathway of high-molecular weight PAHs has been investigated. A deeper knowledge of the regulatory circuits that control the expression of PAH degradation has allowed us to design two biosensors for monitoring environments contaminated with oil-derived mixtures. Novosphingobium sp. HR1a (pKSR-1), the biosensor based on the promoter of the regulatory protein PahR, was more sensitive and faster in the detection of aromatic contaminants in environmental samples than Novosphingobium sp. HR1a (pKSA-1), the biosensor that is based on the PAHs-dioxygenase promoter (PpahA). Novosphingobium sp. HR1a (pKSR-1) was able to detect PAHs in the range of μgl-1 (ppb).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Segura
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/ Profesor Albareda 1, 18008, Spain
| | - Verónica Hernández-Sánchez
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/ Profesor Albareda 1, 18008, Spain
| | - Silvia Marqués
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/ Profesor Albareda 1, 18008, Spain
| | - Lázaro Molina
- Environmental Protection Department, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/ Profesor Albareda 1, 18008, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gui Q, Lawson T, Shan S, Yan L, Liu Y. The Application of Whole Cell-Based Biosensors for Use in Environmental Analysis and in Medical Diagnostics. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17071623. [PMID: 28703749 PMCID: PMC5539819 DOI: 10.3390/s17071623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Various whole cell-based biosensors have been reported in the literature for the last 20 years and these reports have shown great potential for their use in the areas of pollution detection in environmental and in biomedical diagnostics. Unlike other reviews of this growing field, this mini-review argues that: (1) the selection of reporter genes and their regulatory proteins are directly linked to the performance of celllular biosensors; (2) broad enhancements in microelectronics and information technologies have also led to improvements in the performance of these sensors; (3) their future potential is most apparent in their use in the areas of medical diagnostics and in environmental monitoring; and (4) currently the most promising work is focused on the better integration of cellular sensors with nano and micro scaled integrated chips. With better integration it may become practical to see these cells used as (5) real-time portable devices for diagnostics at the bedside and for remote environmental toxin detection and this in situ application will make the technology commonplace and thus as unremarkable as other ubiquitous technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Gui
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biosensing and Bioimaging, Instiute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
| | - Tom Lawson
- ARC Center of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Suyan Shan
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biosensing and Bioimaging, Instiute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
| | - Lu Yan
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biosensing and Bioimaging, Instiute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
| | - Yong Liu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biosensing and Bioimaging, Instiute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hernández-Sánchez V, Molina L, Ramos JL, Segura A. New family of biosensors for monitoring BTX in aquatic and edaphic environments. Microb Biotechnol 2016; 9:858-867. [PMID: 27484951 PMCID: PMC5072201 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) contamination is a serious threat to public health and the environment, and therefore, there is an urgent need to detect its presence in nature. The use of whole-cell reporters is an efficient, easy-to-use and low-cost approach to detect and follow contaminants outside specialized laboratories; this is especially important in oil spills that are frequent in marine environments. The aim of this study is the construction of a bioreporter system and its comparison and validation for the specific detection of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different host bacteria and environmental samples. Our bioreporter system is based on the two component regulatory system TodS-TodT of P. putida DOT-T1E, and the PtodX promoter fused to the GFP protein as the reporter protein. For the construction of different biosensors, this bioreporter was transferred into three different bacterial strains isolated from three different environments, and their performance was measured. Validation of the biosensors on water samples spiked with petrol, diesel and crude oil on contaminated waters from oil spills and on contaminated soils demonstrated that they can be used in mapping and monitoring some BTEX compounds (specifically benzene, toluene and two xylene isomers). Validation of biosensors is an important issue for the integration of these devices into pollution-control programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lázaro Molina
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín-CSIC, C/ Profesor Albareda s/n, 18008, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Ramos
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín-CSIC, C/ Profesor Albareda s/n, 18008, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Segura
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín-CSIC, C/ Profesor Albareda s/n, 18008, Granada, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|