• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.1257-1267
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• 2023

Although rational genetic engineering is nowadays the favored method for microbial strain improvement, building up mutant libraries based on directed evolution for improvement is still in many cases the better option. In this regard, the demand for precise and efficient screening methods for mutants with high performance has stimulated the development of biosensor-based high-throughput screening strategies. Genetically encoded biosensors provide powerful tools to couple the desired phenotype to a detectable signal, such as fluorescence and growth rate. Herein, we review recent advances in engineering several classes of biosensors and their applications in directed evolution. Furthermore, we compare and discuss the screening advantages and limitations of two-component biosensors, transcription-factor-based biosensors, and RNA-based biosensors. Engineering these biosensors has focused mainly on modifying the expression level or structure of the biosensor components to optimize the dynamic range, specificity, and detection range. Finally, the applications of biosensors in the evolution of proteins, metabolic pathways, and genome-scale metabolic networks are described. This review provides potential guidance in the design of biosensors and their applications in improving the bioproduction of microbial cell factories through directed evolution.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.213-227
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• 2002

To date, the majority of biosensor technologies use binding components such as enzymes antibodies, nucleic acids and protein ligands. In contrast, the goal underlying the use of cells and tissues of animals and plants for a sensor system is to obtain systems capable of extracting information based on the biological activity, mechanisms of action and consequences of exposure to a chemical or biological agent of interest. These systems enable the interrogation of more complex biological response and offer the potential to gather higher information content from measuring physiologic and metabolic response. In these articles, same of the recent trends and applications of microbial biosensors in environmental monitoring and for use in food and fermentations have been reviewed. This endeavor presents many technological challenges to fabricate new microbial biosensors for other scientific field.