Work

Point-of-Use Detection of Environmental Fluoride via a Cell-Free Riboswitch-Based Biosensor

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Advances in biosensor engineering have enabled the design of programmable molecular systems to detect a range of pathogens, nucleic acids, and chemicals. Here, we engineer and field-test a biosensor for fluoride, a major groundwater contaminant of global concern. The sensor consists of a cell-free system containing a DNA template that encodes a fluoride-responsive riboswitch regulating genes that produce a fluorescent or colorimetric output. Individual reactions can be lyophilized for long-term storage and detect fluoride at levels above 2 ppm, the Environmental Protection Agency's most stringent regulatory standard, in both laboratory and field conditions. Through onsite detection of fluoride in a real-world water source, this work provides a critical proof-of-principle for the future engineering of riboswitches and other biosensors to address challenges for global health and the environment.

Source: ACS Synthetic Biology

DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00347

Authors: Walter Thavarajah, Adam D. Silverman, Matthew S. Verosloff, Nancy Kelley-Loughnane, Michael C. Jewett, Julius B. Lucks

Institutions: Northwestern University, United States Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate

Language: English

Topic: RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,000