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Title: BACTERIAL BIOSENSORS. POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ECOLOGICAL MONITORING

Author
item RESHETILOV, A - RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENC
item Leathers, Timothy
item Cotta, Michael

Submitted to: Biosensors World Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/26/2004
Publication Date: 5/26/2004
Citation: Reshetilov, A.N., Leathers, T.D., Cotta, M.A. 2004. Bacterial biosensors, potential applications in biotechnology and ecological monitoring [abstract]. Biosensors World Congress. Paper No. BS272.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This presentation summarizes our experience in the development of biosensors based on immobilized whole bacterial cells and electrochemical electrodes. These studies include both theoretical analyses of fundamental properties of bacteria, including the metabolic pathways of various substrates, and applied experimental studies of the parameters that determine the performance of microbial sensors. Initially, databases were created that detail the oxidative activity of immobilized cells of Gluconobacter, Pseudomonas, Comamonas, and other organisms against a wide range of organic substrates. Subsequently, the performance parameters of microbial sensors based on these cells were determined under laboratory conditions for a number of compounds, including aromatics (biphenyl, naphthalene, chlorobenzoate, sulfo-, and nitroaromatic compounds), surfactants, carbohydrates, and alcohols. For example, a four-channel system of sensors based on Rhodococcus and Nitrobacter was developed for the detection of the nitrophenol compounds 2,4-dinitrophenol and picric acid. Analytical strategies were devised for the selective measurement of these substrates in interfering admixtures. In another example, elements of pattern recognition theory were used to process the signals of three microbial sensors for selective detection of glucose, xylose, and ethanol in mixtures. Other studies demonstrated that it is possible to control the range of useful signals from microbial biosensors by changing the level of oxygen in the measurement medium. Critical parameters of selectivity, sensitivity, and stability will be presented for each microbial sensor model thus far developed and their potential applications and limitations in the solution of practical problems will be discussed.