Bioluminescent biosensors chemicals

A Panel of Bioluminescent Biosensors for Characterization of Chemically-Induced Bacterial Stress Responses... 

In comparison to equivalent optical detection methods using whole cell biosensors for water toxicity detection, these results proved to be more sensitive and produce faster response time. Concentrations as low as 1% of ethanol and 1.6 ppm of phenol could be detected in less than 10 min of exposure to the toxic chemical, whilst a recent study [11] which utilized bioluminescent E.coli sensor cells, detected 0.4 M (2.35%) ethanol after 220 min. An additional study [1] based on fluorescent reporter system (GFP), enabled detection of 6% ethanol and 295 ppm phenol after more than one hour. Cha et al [12] used optical detection methods of fluorescent GFP proteins, detected 1 g of phenol per liter (1,000 ppm) and 2% ethanol after 6 hours. Other studies [13] could not be directly compared due to different material used however their time scale for chemicals identification is hours. 

Bioluminescence- and Chemiluminescence-Based Biosensors These reactions are the most sensitive chemical probes. The simplest accepted mechanism for the production of light from biological reactions is that of the cmstacean Cypridina hilgendorfii ... 

Through the use of recombinant techniques, bacteria biosensors that are both specific and sensitive to a series of different toxic avenues, dependent on the promoters cloned, and produce a measurable signal under such conditions are possible. Though they have many similarities, the strains have their own personality and respond to different situations. Their response is even unique, as shown by the response kinetics of TV 1061, with its initial drop in bioluminescence as well as the prolonged decrease when exposed to an insult over an extended time. By using these bacteria, it is possible to not only detect the presence of toxicity but to also "identify it by the mode that it works. Also, the signal produced when there are chemicals present is quick, around 120 minutes, and definite as the BL remains fairly constant prior to induction. This difference may be used as an indicator of toxicity and, thus, provide a warning to the presence of hazardous substances. 

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