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Bao Y, Zheng X, Guo R, Wang L, Liu C, Zhang W. Biomass chitosan/sodium alginate colorimetric imprinting hydrogels with integrated capture and visualization detection for cadmium(II). Carbohydr Polym 2024; 331:121841. [PMID: 38388049 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.121841] [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] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to Cd(II) with highly toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative, the discharge of it into the environment brings serious pollution. Developing strategies that are efficient, low-cost, pollution-free and specific to removing Cd(II) from wastewater is therefore of great urgency and prime importance. A novel chitosan/sodium alginate ionic imprinting(IICA) hydrogels with specific adsorption capacity for Cd(II) was prepared through freeze-thaw and ion imprinting, and finally the colorimetric sensor (IICAS) was prepared via introducing Rhodamine B(RhB) and Victoria blue(VBB) by immersion to achieve visual detection of Cd(II). The IICA hydrogels with imprinted hole structure had higher adsorption capacity and better specific selectivity for Cd(II). As well as internal diffusion, coordination, ion exchange, and hydrogen bonding influenced the adsorption rate. Moreover, the IICAS exhibited good selective detection ability and linearity for Cd(II) with the fitted correlation coefficient (R2) = 0.98, limit of detection (LOD) = 35 nmol/L. Combined with the smartphone platform, portable and quantitative detection of Cd(II) can be achieved, Within the 0-100 mg/L range, R2 remained 0.94, and LOD was 75 nmol/L. This strategy of preparing a novel whole biomass IICAS integrating capture and visual detection provides a new insight into the construction of a promising candidate sensor for the removal and detection of Cd(II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Bao
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xi Zheng
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Ruyue Guo
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Luxuan Wang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Industrial Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Industrial Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
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2
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Sulaiman MA, Kumari A. Unveiling the Rising Threat of Cadmium Pollution and Alarming Health Risks Associated with the Consumption of 15 Commercially Important Fish Species in the Middle Stretch of River Ganga, at Patna, India. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04164-x. [PMID: 38607526 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Among environmental contaminants, the rising level of cadmium in freshwater ecosystems is one of the most significant global concerns. The study addresses the current pollution status of cadmium in the middle stretch of River Ganga and explores the potential hazard associated with the consumption of 15 commercially important fish species by the inhabitants. Together 72 water and sediment samples were analyzed from the four representative sampling sites of River Ganga after the surveillance of major anthropogenic stressors. The concentration of cadmium ranges from 0.003 to 0.011 mg/l and 0.2 to 3.48 mg/kg in water and sediment respectively in 2022. The average concentration of cadmium was recorded to be the highest in Channa punctatus (1.35 mg/kg), followed by Rita rita = Johnius coitor (1.15 mg/kg), and the lowest in Labeo bata (0.2 mg/kg). The finding highlights greater exposure duration and feeding preferences of fish species have played a significant role in the bioaccumulation of the metal in the riverine system. Notably, the domestic effluents, agricultural runoffs, and pollutants brought along by the tributaries of River Ganga are identified as the main anthropogenic stressors for the moderate to considerably polluted status of the River Ganga. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) have revealed a higher susceptibility to cadmium contamination in children followed by females, and males. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) has noted intake of Rita rita, Channa punctata, Puntius sophore, and Johnius coitor could be more detrimental to children's health than adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anupma Kumari
- Department of Zoology, Patna University, Patna, 800005, India.
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Liu T, Yuan X, Luo K, Xie C, Zhou L. Molecular engineering of a new method for effective removal of cadmium from water. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 253:121326. [PMID: 38377928 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread and highly toxic environmental pollutant, seriously threatening animal and plant growth. Therefore, monitoring and employing robust tools to enrich and remove Cd from the environment is a major challenge. In this work, by conjugating a fluorescent indicator (CCP) with a functionalized glass slide, a special composite material (CCPB) was constructed to enrich, remove, and monitor Cd2+ in water rapidly. Then Cd2+ could be effectively eluted by immersing the Cd-enriched CCPB in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. With this, the CCPB was continuously reused. Its recovery of Cd2+was above and below 100 % after multiple uses by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), which was excellent for practical use in enriching and removing Cd2+ in real aqueous samples. Therefore, CCPB is an ideal material for monitoring, enriching, and removing Cd2+ in wastewater, providing a robust tool for future practical applications of Cd enrichment and removal in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Xiaomin Yuan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Kun Luo
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Can Xie
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Liyi Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China.
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4
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Chaisupa P, Wright RC. State-of-the-art in engineering small molecule biosensors and their applications in metabolic engineering. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100113. [PMID: 37918525 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.10.005] [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] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors are crucial for enhancing our understanding of how molecules regulate biological systems. Small molecule biosensors, in particular, help us understand the interaction between chemicals and biological processes. They also accelerate metabolic engineering by increasing screening throughput and eliminating the need for sample preparation through traditional chemical analysis. Additionally, they offer significantly higher spatial and temporal resolution in cellular analyte measurements. In this review, we discuss recent progress in in vivo biosensors and control systems-biosensor-based controllers-for metabolic engineering. We also specifically explore protein-based biosensors that utilize less commonly exploited signaling mechanisms, such as protein stability and induced degradation, compared to more prevalent transcription factor and allosteric regulation mechanism. We propose that these lesser-used mechanisms will be significant for engineering eukaryotic systems and slower-growing prokaryotic systems where protein turnover may facilitate more rapid and reliable measurement and regulation of the current cellular state. Lastly, we emphasize the utilization of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art techniques in the development of protein-based biosensors, achieved through rational design, directed evolution, and collaborative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patarasuda Chaisupa
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - R Clay Wright
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Translational Plant Sciences Center (TPSC), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Shen L, Chen Y, Hu L, Zhang C, Liu L, Bao L, Ma J, Wang H, Xiao X, Wu L, Chen S. Development of a Highly Sensitive, Visual Platform for the Detection of Cadmium in Actual Wastewater Based on Evolved Whole-Cell Biosensors. ACS Sens 2024; 9:654-661. [PMID: 38329934 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01811] [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: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
A whole-cell biosensor (WCB) is a convenient and cost-effective method for detecting contaminants. However, the practical application of the cadmium WCBs has been hampered by performance deficiencies, such as low sensitivity, specificity, and responsive strength. In this study, to improve the performance of cadmium WCBs, the cadmium transcription factor (CadC) and its DNA binding site (CadO), the key sensing module of the biosensor, were successively and separately subjected to a two-step directed evolution: 6-round random mutagenesis for CadC and 2-round saturation mutagenesis for CadO. For practical application, the GFP reporter gene was replaced with the lacZ gene and a facile and rapid smartphone detection platform for actual water samples was established by optimizing the reaction systems with detergents. The results showed that the evolved cadmium fluorescent biosensor CadO66 exhibited a higher specificity and a detection limit of 0.034 μg/L, representing a 19-fold reduction compared to the wild-type cadmium biosensor. The detergent sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate effectively enhanced the visualization of WCB B0033-lacZ. Using the fluorescent WCB CadO66 and the visual WCB B0033-lacZ to analyze the cadmium contents of the actual water samples, the results were also consistent with a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Taken together, this study indicates that the two-step directed evolution of CadC and CadO can efficiently improve the performance of cadmium WCBs, further promoting the utilization of WCB in actual sample detection and presenting a promising and feasible method for rapid sample detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shen
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Liangwen Hu
- Wuhu Agricultural Products and Food Testing Center Co. Ltd., Wuhu 241000, China
| | | | | | | | - Jie Ma
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Hongqiang Wang
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shaopeng Chen
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
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6
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Li B, Zhai G, Dong Y, Wang L, Ma P. Recent progress on the CRISPR/Cas system in optical biosensors. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:798-816. [PMID: 38259224 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay02147e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein systems are adaptive immune systems unique to archaea and bacteria, with the characteristics of targeted recognition and gene editing to resist the invasion of foreign nucleic acids. Biosensors combined with the CRISPR/Cas system and optical detection technology have attracted much attention in medical diagnoses, food safety, agricultural progress, and environmental monitoring owing to their good sensitivity, high selectivity, and fast detection efficiency. In this review, we introduce the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas systems and developments in this area, followed by summarizing recent progress on CRISPR/Cas system-based optical biosensors combined with colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemiluminescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering optical techniques in various fields. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of CRISPR/Cas systems in optical biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Li
- School of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Guangyu Zhai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yaru Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Peng Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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7
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Du H, Liang Y, Li J, Yuan X, Tao F, Dong C, Shen Z, Sui G, Wang P. Directed Evolution of 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Biosensors Based on a Dual Selection System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1533. [PMID: 38338812 PMCID: PMC10855707 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Biosensors based on allosteric transcription factors have been widely used in synthetic biology. In this study, we utilized the Acinetobacter ADP1 transcription factor PobR to develop a biosensor activating the PpobA promoter when bound to its natural ligand, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4HB). To screen for PobR mutants responsive to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate(HPP), we developed a dual selection system in E. coli. The positive selection of this system was used to enrich PobR mutants that identified the required ligands. The following negative selection eliminated or weakened PobR mutants that still responded to 4HB. Directed evolution of the PobR library resulted in a variant where PobRW177R was 5.1 times more reactive to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate than PobRWT. Overall, we developed an efficient dual selection system for directed evolution of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxuan Du
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yaoyao Liang
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jianing Li
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Xinyao Yuan
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Fenglin Tao
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Chengjie Dong
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
- Aulin College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Zekai Shen
- School of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Aulin College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Pengchao Wang
- School of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (H.D.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.T.)
- NEFU-China iGEM Team, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory for Enzyme and Enzyme-Like Material Engineering of Heilongjiang, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Aulin College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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8
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Hui CY, Ma BC, Hu SY, Wu C. Tailored bacteria tackling with environmental mercury: Inspired by natural mercuric detoxification operons. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:123016. [PMID: 38008253 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and its inorganic and organic compounds significantly threaten the ecosystem and human health. However, the natural and anthropogenic Hg environmental inputs exceed 5000 metric tons annually. Hg is usually discharged in elemental or ionic forms, accumulating in surface water and sediments where Hg-methylating microbes-mediated biotransformation occurs. Microbial genetic factors such as the mer operon play a significant role in the complex Hg biogeochemical cycle. Previous reviews summarize the fate of environmental Hg, its biogeochemistry, and the mechanism of bacterial Hg resistance. This review mainly focuses on the mer operon and its components in detecting, absorbing, bioaccumulating, and detoxifying environmental Hg. Four components of the mer operon, including the MerR regulator, divergent mer promoter, and detoxification factors MerA and MerB, are rare bio-parts for assembling synthetic bacteria, which tackle pollutant Hg. Bacteria are designed to integrate synthetic biology, protein engineering, and metabolic engineering. In summary, this review highlights that designed bacteria based on the mer operon can potentially sense and bioremediate pollutant Hg in a green and low-cost manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ye Hui
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
| | - Bing-Chan Ma
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China; School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shun-Yu Hu
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Can Wu
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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Zhu K, Chen D, Cai Y, Zhang T, Ma J, Bao L, Zhao F, Wu L, Chen S. Engineering the Ultrasensitive Visual Whole-Cell Biosensors by Evolved MerR and 5' UTR for Detection of Ultratrace Mercury. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16964-16973. [PMID: 37863904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The existing mercury whole-cell biosensors (WCBs, parts per billion range) are not able to meet the real-world requirements due to their lack of sensitivity for the detection of ultratrace mercury in the environment. Ultratrace mercury is a potential threat to human health via the food chain. Here, we developed an ultrasensitive mercury WCB by directed evolution of the mercury-responsive transcriptional activator (MerR) sensing module to detect ultratrace mercury. Subsequently, the mutant WCB (m4-1) responding to mercury in the parts per trillion range after 1 h of induction was obtained. Its detection limit (LOD) was 0.313 ng/L, comparable to those of some analytical instruments. Surprisingly, the m4-1 WCB also responded to methylmercury (LOD = 98 ng/L), which is far more toxic than inorganic mercury. For more convenient detection, we have increased another green fluorescent protein reporter module with an optimized 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) sequence. This yields two visual WCBs with an enhanced fluorescence output. At a concentration of 2.5 ng/L, the fluorescence signals can be directly observed by the naked eye. With the combination of mobile phone imaging and image processing software, the 2GC WCB provided simple, rapid, and reliable quantitative and qualitative analysis of real samples (LOD = 0.307 ng/L). Taken together, these results indicate that the ultrasensitive visual whole-cell biosensors for ultratrace mercury detection are successfully designed using a combination of directed evolution and synthetic biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Zhu
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China, P. R. China
| | - Dongdong Chen
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P. R. China
| | - Yeshen Cai
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China, P. R. China
| | - TianYi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, P. R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, P. R. China
| | - Lingzhi Bao
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, P. R. China
| | - Feng Zhao
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China, P. R. China
| | - Shaopeng Chen
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, P. R. China
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Zhu DL, Guo Y, Ma BC, Lin YQ, Wang HJ, Gao CX, Liu MQ, Zhang NX, Luo H, Hui CY. Pb(II)-inducible proviolacein biosynthesis enables a dual-color biosensor toward environmental lead. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1218933. [PMID: 37577420 PMCID: PMC10413148 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1218933] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of synthetic biology, various whole-cell biosensors have been designed as valuable biological devices for the selective and sensitive detection of toxic heavy metals in environmental water. However, most proposed biosensors are based on fluorescent and bioluminescent signals invisible to the naked eye. The development of visible pigment-based biosensors can address this issue. The pbr operon from Klebsiella pneumoniae is selectively induced by bioavailable Pb(II). In the present study, the proviolacein biosynthetic gene cluster was transcriptionally fused to the pbr Pb(II) responsive element and introduced into Escherichia coli. The resultant biosensor responded to Pb(II) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. After a 5-h incubation with Pb(II), the brown pigment was produced, which could be extracted into n-butanol. Extra hydrogen peroxide treatment during n-butanol extract resulted in the generation of a stable green pigment. An increased brown signal was observed upon exposure to lead concentrations above 2.93 nM, and a linear regression was fitted from 2.93 to 3,000 nM. Extra oxidation significantly decreased the difference between parallel groups. The green signal responded to as low as 0.183 nM Pb(II), and a non-linear regression was fitted in a wide concentration range from 0.183 to 3,000 nM. The specific response toward Pb(II) was not interfered with by various metals except for Cd(II) and Hg(II). The PV-based biosensor was validated in monitoring bioaccessible Pb(II) spiked into environmental water. The complex matrices did not influence the regression relationship between spiked Pb(II) and the dual-color signals. Direct reading with the naked eye and colorimetric quantification enable the PV-based biosensor to be a dual-color and low-cost bioindicator for pollutant heavy metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-long Zhu
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bing-chan Ma
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong-qin Lin
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hai-jun Wang
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao-xian Gao
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ming-qi Liu
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Nai-xing Zhang
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Luo
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Chang-ye Hui
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Wang X, Zhou N, Wang B. Bacterial synthetic biology: tools for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1087-1097. [PMID: 37482696 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2239704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial synthetic biology has provided powerful tools to revolutionize the drug discovery process. These tools can be harnessed to generate bacterial novel pharmaceutical compounds with enhanced bioactivity and selectivity or to create genetically modified microorganisms as living drugs. AREAS COVERED This review provides a current overview of the state-of-the-art in bacterial synthetic biology tools for novel drug discovery. The authors discuss the application of these tools including bioinformatic tools, CRISPR tools, engineered bacterial transcriptional regulators, and synthetic biosensors for novel drug discovery. Additionally, the authors present the recent progress on reprogramming bacteriophages as living drugs to fight against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. EXPERT OPINION The field of using bacterial synthetic biology tools for drug discovery is rapidly advancing. However, challenges remain in developing reliable and robust methods to engineer bacteria. Further advancements in synthetic biology hold promise to speed up drug discovery, facilitating the development of novel therapeutics against various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyan Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Biological Computation, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Ma Z, Li Y, Lu C, Li M. On-site screening method for bioavailability assessment of the organophosphorus pesticide, methyl parathion, and its primary metabolite in soils by paper strip biosensor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131725. [PMID: 37295330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An important public concern worldwide is soil pollution caused by organophosphorus pesticides and their primary metabolites. To protect the public's health, screening these pollutants on-site and determining their soil bioavailability is important, but doing so is still challenging. This work improved the already-existing organophosphorus pesticide hydrolase (mpd) and transcriptional activator (pobR), and it first designed and constructed a novel biosensor (Escherichia coli BL21/pNP-LacZ) that can precisely detect methyl parathion (MP) and its primary metabolite p-nitrophenol with low background value. To create a paper strip biosensor, E. coli BL21/pNP-LacZ was fixed to filter paper using bio-gel alginate and sensitizer polymyxin B. According to the calibrations of the paper strip biosensor for soil extracts and standard curve, the color intensity of the paper strip biosensor collected by the mobile app may be used to compute the concentration of MP and p-nitrophenol. This method's detection limits were 5.41 µg/kg for p-nitrophenol and 9.57 µg/kg for MP. The detection of p-nitrophenol and MP in laboratory and field soil samples confirmed this procedure. Paper strip biosensor on-site allows for the semi-quantitative measurement of p-nitrophenol and MP levels in soils in a simple, inexpensive, and portable method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Ma
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Yuanbo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Chao Lu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Soil Improvement and Utilization (Coastal Saline-Alkali lands), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, PR China.
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13
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Pan J, Deng F, Chen J. A fluorescent biosensor for Cd 2+ detection in water samples based on Cd 2+-fueled wheel DNAzyme walker and its logic gate applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161046. [PMID: 36549523 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A fluorescent biosensor was developed for Cd2+ detection based on a Cd2+-fueled wheel DNAzyme walker. Cd2+ can activate the wheel to roll along the DNA walking tracks through DNAzyme cleavage and toehold-mediated strand displacement. The substrate strand was modified with BHQ and Cy5. Through continuous cleavage reactions toward the substrate strands, a high fluorescence signal can be obtained. The biosensor is ultrasensitive, and the detection limit is 0.2 pM (S/N = 3). The fluorescent assay is robust and has been applied to the determination of Cd2+ in real water samples with good accuracy and reliability. Using Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ as the three inputs, we also construct a concatenated AND logic gate. The input combination of (111) can produce an output of 1. Other input combinations produce an output of 0. Our proposed detection platform and logic system hold great promise for the ultrasensitive and intelligent sensing of different heavy metal ions in water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Pan
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Fang Deng
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Junhua Chen
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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14
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Hu S, Zhang G, Jia X. Improvement of a highly sensitive and specific whole-cell biosensor by adding a positive feedback amplifier. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2023; 8:292-299. [PMID: 37090062 PMCID: PMC10113786 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we designed a Cd2+ whole-cell biosensor with both positive and negative feedback cascade amplifiers in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 (LTCM) based on our previous design with only a negative feedback amplifier (TCM). The results showed that the newly developed biosensor LTCM was greatly improved compared to TCM. Firstly, the linear response range of LTCM was expanded while the maximum linear response range was raised from 0.05 to 0.1 μM. Meanwhile, adding a positive feedback amplifier further increased the fluorescence output signal of LTCM 1.11-2.64 times under the same culture conditions. Moreover, the response time of LTCM for detection of practical samples was reduced from 6 to 4 h. At the same time, LTCM still retained very high sensitivity and specificity, while its lowest detection limit was 0.1 nM Cd2+ and the specificity was 23.29 (compared to 0.1 nM and 17.55 in TCM, respectively). In summary, the positive and negative feedback cascade amplifiers effectively improved the performance of the biosensor LTCM, resulting in a greater linear response range, higher output signal intensity, and shorter response time than TCM while retaining comparable sensitivity and specificity, indicating better potential for practical applications.
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15
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Davis GB, Rayner JL, Donn MJ. Advancing "Autonomous" sensing and prediction of the subsurface environment: a review and exploration of the challenges for soil and groundwater contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:19520-19535. [PMID: 36635471 PMCID: PMC9938046 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Can we hope for autonomous (self-contained in situ) sensing of subsurface soil and groundwater pollutants to satisfy relevant regulatory criteria? Global advances in sensors, communications, digital technologies, and computational capacity offer this potential. Here we review past efforts to advance subsurface investigation techniques and technologies, and computational efforts to create a digital twin (representation) of subsurface processes. In the context of the potential to link measurement and sensing to a digital twin computation platform, we outline five criteria that might make it possible. Significant advances in sensors based on passive measurement devices are proposed. As an example of what might be achievable, using the five criteria, we describe the deployment of online real-time sensors and simulations for a case study of a petroleum site where natural source zone depletion (NSZD) is underway as a potential biodegradation management option, and where a high-quality conceptual site model is available. Multiple sensors targeting parameters (major gases and temperature influenced by soil moisture) relevant to the subsurface NSZD biodegradation processes are shown to offer the potential to map subsurface processes spatially and temporally and provide continuous estimates of degradation rates for management decisions, constrained by a computational platform of the key processes. Current limitations and gaps in technologies and knowledge are highlighted specific to the case study. More generally, additional key advances required to achieve autonomous sensing of subsurface soil and groundwater pollutants are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg B Davis
- CSIRO Land and Water, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia, 6014, Australia.
| | - John L Rayner
- CSIRO Land and Water, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia, 6014, Australia
| | - Michael J Donn
- CSIRO Land and Water, 147 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, Western Australia, 6014, Australia
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16
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Hui CY, Hu SY, Li LM, Yun JP, Zhang YF, Yi J, Zhang NX, Guo Y. Metabolic engineering of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway toward a specific and sensitive inorganic mercury biosensor. RSC Adv 2022; 12:36142-36148. [PMID: 36545109 PMCID: PMC9756418 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06764a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of mercury (Hg) mainly depends on its form. Whole-cell biosensors respond selectively to toxic Hg(ii), efficiently transformed by environmental microbes into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in aquatic animals. Metabolically engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) have successfully produced rainbow colorants. By de novo reconstruction of the carotenoid synthetic pathway, the Hg(ii)-responsive production of lycopene and β-carotene enabled programmed E. coli to potentially become an optical biosensor for the qualitative and quantitative detection of ecotoxic Hg(ii). The red color of the lycopene-based biosensor cell pellet was visible upon exposure to 49 nM Hg(ii) and above. The orange β-carotene-based biosensor responded to a simple colorimetric assay as low as 12 nM Hg(ii). A linear response was observed at Hg(ii) concentrations ranging from 12 to 195 nM. Importantly, high specificity and good anti-interference capability suggested that metabolic engineering of the carotenoid biosynthesis was an alternative to developing a visual platform for the rapid analysis of the concentration and toxicity of Hg(ii) in environmentally polluted water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-ye Hui
- Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
| | - Shun-yu Hu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510515China
| | - Li-mei Li
- Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
| | - Jian-pei Yun
- Physical & Chemical Testing Laboratory, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
| | - Yan-fang Zhang
- Physical & Chemical Testing Laboratory, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
| | - Juan Yi
- Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
| | - Nai-xing Zhang
- National Key Clinical Specialty of Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510515China,National Key Clinical Specialty of Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational DiseasesShenzhen 518020China
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17
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Guo Y, Huang ZL, Zhu DL, Hu SY, Li H, Hui CY. Anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway switched by metalloregulator PbrR to enable a biosensor for the detection of lead toxicity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:975421. [PMID: 36267188 PMCID: PMC9577363 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.975421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental lead pollution mainly caused by previous anthropogenic activities continuously threatens human health. The determination of bioavailable lead is of great significance to predict its ecological risk. Bacterial biosensors using visual pigments as output signals have been demonstrated to have great potential in developing minimal-equipment biosensors for environmental pollutant detection. In this study, the biosynthesis pathway of anthocyanin was heterogeneously reconstructed under the control of the PbrR-based Pb(II) sensory element in Escherichia coli. The resultant metabolic engineered biosensor with colored anthocyanin derivatives as the visual signal selectively responded to concentrations as low as 0.012 μM Pb(II), which is lower than the detection limit of traditional fluorescent protein-based biosensors. A good linear dose–response pattern in a wide Pb(II) concentration range (0.012–3.125 μM) was observed. The color deepening of culture was recognized to the naked eye in Pb(II) concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 μM. Importantly, the response of metabolic engineered biosensors toward Pb(II) was not significantly interfered with by organic and inorganic ingredients in environmental water samples. Our findings show that the metabolic engineering of natural colorants has great potential in developing visual, sensitive, and low-cost bacterial biosensors for the detection and determination of pollutant heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- National Key Clinical Specialty of Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen-lie Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-long Zhu
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shun-yu Hu
- National Key Clinical Specialty of Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- College of Lab Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Chang-ye Hui
- Department of Pathology and Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chang-ye Hui,
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