Modular tuning engineering and versatile applications of genetically encoded biosensors

Abstract

Genetically encoded biosensors have a diverse range of detectable signals and potential applications in many fields, including metabolism control and high-throughput screening. Their ability to be used in situ with minimal interference to the bioprocess of interest could revolutionize synthetic biology and microbial cell factories. The performance and functions of these biosensors have been extensively studied and have been rapidly improved. We review here current biosensor tuning strategies and attempt to unravel how to obtain ideal biosensor functions through experimental adjustments. Strategies for expanding the biosensor input signals that increases the number of detectable compounds have also been summarized. Finally, different output signals and their practical requirements for biotechnology and biomedical applications and environmental safety concerns have been analyzed. This in-depth review of the responses and regulation mechanisms of genetically encoded biosensors will assist to improve their design and optimization in various application scenarios.

Keywords:

• Genetically encoded biosensors
• synthetic biology
• function fine-tuning
• response curve
• input signal extending
• output signal

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Edanz (https://en-author-services.edanz.com/ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China [2019YFA0904900], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [31730003, 31670047 and 31670077], and Young Scholars Program of Shandong University.