Bacteria-Degraders Based Microbial Sensors for the Detection of Surfactants and Organic Pollutants

Abstract

We developped a microbial biosensor for detection of surfactants. The biosensor receptor is based on bacterial strains that are harboring plasmids for biodegradation of surfactants. We studied the sensitivity, stability and selectivity of the biosensor with respect to anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants, carbohydrates, alcohols, humic acids and toxic compounds such as aromatic xenobiotics. Under laboratory conditions the microbial biosensor was used to assess the purity level of water that was decontaminated from surfactants. On the basis of the obtained sensor characteristics, a portable microprocessor analyzer was set up. The biosensor device registers the transducer's signals and makes it possible to process calibration dependencies and determination of the concentration of target compound in a sample.

Biosensor development in Russia

“…The operative and storage stability was assessed for receptor element of an amperometric biosensor based on the surfactant-destroying strain of P. rathonis T in case of inclusion of cells into gels (agar, agarose, calcium-alginate gels) and polyvinyl alcohol membrane, adhesion on chromatographic paper, and cross-linking through glutaraldehyde. Inclusion of cells into agar gel allows for prolonged preservation of their activity and vitality and ensures rapid recovery of the receptor element after measurement [50].…”