Abstract
UV-protective coatings on live bacterial cells were created from the assembly of cationic and UV-absorbing anionic polyelectrolytes using layer-by-layer (LbL) methodology. A cationic polymer (polyallylamine) and three different anionic polymers with varying absorbance in the UV range (poly(vinyl sulfate), poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid), and humic acid) were used to encapsulate Escherichia coli cells with two different green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression systems: constitutive expression of a UV-excitable GFP (GFPuv) and regulated expression of the intensely fluorescent GFP from amphioxus (GFPa1) through a theophylline-inducible riboswitch. Riboswitches activate protein expression after specific ligand-RNA binding events. Hence, they operate as a cellular biosensor that will activate reporter protein synthesis after exposure to a ligand target. E. coli cells coated with UV-absorbing polymers demonstrated enhanced protection of GFP stability, metabolic activity, and viability after prolonged exposure to radiation from a germicidal lamp. The results show the effectiveness of LbL coatings to provide UV protection to living cells for biotechnological applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
