Synthetic Electric Microbial Biosensors
Abstract
The goal of this research project was for the PI to develop an electrically integrated microbial biosensor using model electroactive microbes through synthetic biology. The PI and his team were very successful in this project. There were four main research goals: 1)to evaluate standard promoter-based sensor inputs and outputs in electroactive microbes 2) To develop electrically detectable signal outputs in electric microbes 3) To develop electrically detectable signal outputs in electric microbes 4) To combine sensor inputs and electrical outputs in electroactive microbes for use in Bioelectric Systems. For goal 1, a standardized biobrick backbone was selected and used in all four microbial chassis. For goal2, the initial aim was to create and clone four reporter modules (arsenic, lead, zinc and cadmium), but this aim has been expanded to include mercury, chromium and copper. With the exception of arsenic, the cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc reporter modules have been cloned. For goal 3, the sensitivity of cadmium, mercury and lead biosensors were created and tested. For goal 4, the electroactive microbes were created with the development of overexpression constructs, growth of the respective strains and were tested. This funding resulted in 13 peer reviewed published papers and numerous conference presentations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1044053
Entities
People
- Ashley E. Franks
Organizations
- La Trobe University