Abstract
In this study, we show the repetitive detection of toluene on a tapered optical fiber element (OFE) with an attached layer of Pseudomonas putida TVA8 bioluminescent bioreporters. The bioluminescent cell layer was attached on polished quartz modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The repeatability of the preparation of the optical probe and its use was demonstrated with five differently shaped OFEs. The intensity of measured bioluminescence was minimally influenced by the OFE shape, possessing transmittances between 1.41% and 5.00%. OFE probes layered with P. putida TVA8 were used to monitor liquid toluene over a two-week period. It was demonstrated that OFE probes layered with positively induced P. putida TVA8 bioreporters were reliable detectors of toluene. A toluene concentration of 26.5 mg/L was detected after <30 min after immersion of the probe in the toluene solution. Additional experiments also immobilized constitutively bioluminescent cells of E. coli 652T7, on OFEs with polyethyleneimine (PEI). These OFEs were repetitively induced with Lauria-Bertani (LB) nutrient medium. Bioluminescence appeared 15 minutes after immersion of the OFE in LB. A change in pH from 7 to 6 resulted in a decrease in bioluminescence that was not restored following additional nutrient inductions at pH 7. The E. coli 652T7 OFE probe was therefore sensitive to negative influences but could not be repetitively used.
Highlights
Controlled chemicals identified in regulations (i.e., United Nations EnvironmentProgramme) are selected due to their toxicity in low concentrations, bioaccumulation potential, persistency, carcinogenicity, and repeated assessment in monitoring programs [1,2]
In our previous research [19], we demonstrated bioluminescent monitoring of toluene over a period of 135 days by adherence of P. putida TVA8 to the chemically modified wider end of a tapered optical fiber element (OFE)
The APTES modification of OFE led to the successful adherence of P. putida TVA8 on its surface
Summary
Controlled chemicals identified in regulations (i.e., United Nations EnvironmentProgramme) are selected due to their toxicity in low concentrations, bioaccumulation potential, persistency, carcinogenicity, and repeated assessment in monitoring programs [1,2]. Regardless of many assays, case studies, and constructions of unique biosensor devices such as bioluminescent bioreporter integrated circuits (BBICs) [8], there is no company or institution that has yet established the commercial utilization of bioluminescent bioreporters for the evaluation of pollutant bioavailability. Chemical analysis based on gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) remains the preferred method, its combination with bioluminescent bioreporters might reduce the cost and increase the speed of identifying polluted sites, interpreting the hazard of pollutants, and predicting suitability for biodegradation as well as monitoring of biodegradation. To better establish the potential utility of bioluminescent bioreporters and their complementary optical biosensor devices, more empirical evidence of field applications and studies of reproducibility and stability, as well as facilitation of analytical protocols and biosensor constructions, are needed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
