Why in the News?
Researchers from UK and China have developed a bioelectronic device where genetically engineered E. Coli bacteria act as self-powered chemical bio-sensor.
About Escherichia coli (E. coli) Bacteria:
- Overview: Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals.
- Family: Belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family.
- Harmless vs Pathogenic: Most strains are harmless, but some (e.g., E. coli O157:H7) cause severe foodborne illness, diarrhoea, and kidney complications.
- Gut Role: Contributes to vitamin Kâ‚‚ synthesis and maintains gut microbiota balance.
- Transmission: Pathogenic strains spread via contaminated food, water, or direct contact, leading to outbreaks.
- Diagnostic Importance: Presence in water is a key indicator of faecal contamination.
Bio-Sensors Generated Using E. coli
- Innovation: Genetically engineered E. coli used as self-powered chemical biosensors.
- Mechanism: Detect compounds, process signals, and produce electrical outputs compatible with low-cost electronics.
- Modules:
- Sensing Module: Detects target molecules.
- Processing Module: Amplifies or modifies signals.
- Output Module: Produces phenazines measurable via electrochemistry.
- Applications:
- Detected arabinose (plant sugar) within 2 hours.
- Detected mercury ions in water at trace levels (below WHO safety limits) within 3 hours.
- Demonstrated an “AND” logic gate, producing signals only when two molecules were present together.
- Significance:
- Cheaper, programmable, and robust alternative to enzyme-based biosensors.
- Potential in environmental monitoring, water safety, medical diagnostics, and bioelectronics.
| [UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
(a) Agrodbacterium (b) Clostridium (c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas* |
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