Bacterial reporters are live, genetically engineered cells with promising application in bioanalytics. They contain genetic circuitry to produce a cellular sensing element, which detects the target compound and relays the detection to specific synthesis of so-called reporter proteins (the presence or activity of which is easy to quantify). Bioassays with bacterial reporters are a useful complement to chemical analytics because they measure biological responses rather than total chemical concentrations. Simple bacterial reporter assays may also replace more costly chemical methods as a first line sample analysis technique. Recent promising developments integrate bacterial reporter cells with microsystems to produce bacterial biosensors. This lecture presents an in-depth treatment of the synthetic biological design principles of bacterial reporters, the engineering of which started as simple recombinant DNA puzzles, but has now become a more rational approach of choosing and combining sensing, controlling and reporting DNA 'parts'. Several examples of existing bacterial reporter designs and their genetic circuitry will be illustrated. Besides the design principles, the lecture also focuses on the application principles of bacterial reporter assays. A variety of assay formats will be illustrated, and principles of quantification will be dealt with. In addition to this discussion, substantial reference material is supplied in various Annexes. Table of Contents: Short History of the use of Bacteria for Biosensing and Bioreporting / Genetic Engineering Concepts / Measuring with Bioreporters / Epilogue

Bacterial reporters are live, genetically engineered cells with promising application in bioanalytics. They contain genetic circuitry to produce a cellular sensing element, which detects the target compound and relays the detection to specific synthesis of so-called reporter proteins (the presence or activity of which is easy to quantify). Bioassays with bacterial reporters are a useful complement to chemical analytics because they measure biological responses rather than total chemical concentrations. Simple bacterial reporter assays may also replace more costly chemical methods as a first line sample analysis technique. Recent promising developments integrate bacterial reporter cells with microsystems to produce bacterial biosensors. This lecture presents an in-depth treatment of the synthetic biological design principles of bacterial reporters, the engineering of which started as simple recombinant DNA puzzles, but has now become a more rational approach of choosing and combining sensing, controlling and reporting DNA 'parts'. Several examples of existing bacterial reporter designs and their genetic circuitry will be illustrated. Besides the design principles, the lecture also focuses on the application principles of bacterial reporter assays. A variety of assay formats will be illustrated, and principles of quantification will be dealt with. In addition to this discussion, substantial reference material is supplied in various Annexes. Table of Contents: Short History of the use of Bacteria for Biosensing and Bioreporting / Genetic Engineering Concepts / Measuring with Bioreporters / Epilogue

Over the last fifteen years it has become increasingly obvious that bacteria are not as simple and solitary as once believed. Rather, an accumulating body of work shows that bacteria are highly complicated and social organisms, constantly sensing their surroundings and altering both their environments and behaviors to ensure survival. Direct communication between bacteria turns out to be quite common, as are coordinated intra- and interspecies responses that include the formation of highly sophisticated microbial communities. In fact, threats to bacterial survival from assaults ranging from nutrient deprivation and oxygen depletion tothe defenses of eukaryotic hostsare all managed through the integration of a dizzying array of complex sensory and communication systems with the appropriate bacterial behaviors. This volume provides an update of the current knowledgeinthe expanding field ofbacterial sensing and signaling, highlighting its most important and interesting aspects. In twelve state-of-the-art articles, respected international experts address topics such as quorum sensing and secondary messengers, chemotaxis and magnetoaerotaxis, two-component phosphotransferase systems, bacterial virulence mechanisms, thermoregulation, and more. The final chapter represents a unique description of the tools available to manipulate many of the sensing and signaling systems described in this volume. Bacterial Sensing and Signaling is recommended reading for students, scientists and clinicians with interests in microbiology, immunology, ecology, biotechnology and a range of other disciplines.

Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems will cover the up-to-date biosensor technologies used for the detection of bacteria. Written by the world's most renowned and learned scientists each in their own area of expertise, Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems is the first title to cover this expanding research field.

The book addresses the interdisciplinary area of water quality monitoring and binds together interests and competences within sensing technology, system behaviour, business needs, legislation, education, data handling, and artificial response algorithms.

Providing a comprehensive insight into cellular signaling processes in bacteria with a special focus on biotechnological implications, this is the first book to cover intercellular as well as intracellular signaling and its relevance for biofilm formation, host pathogen interactions, symbiotic relationships, and photo- and chemotaxis. In addition, it deals in detail with principal bacterial signaling mechanisms -- making this a valuable resource for all advanced students in microbiology. Dr. Krämer is a world-renowned expert in intracellular signaling and its implications for biotechnology processes, while Dr. Jung is an expert on intercellular signaling and its relevance for biomedicine and agriculture.

A comprehensive review of the fundamental molecular mechanisms in fermentation and explores the microbiology of fermentation technology and industrial applications Microbial Sensing in Fermentation presents the fundamental molecular mechanisms involved in the process of fermentation and explores the applied art of microbiology and fermentation technology. The text contains descriptions regarding the extraordinary sensing ability of microorganisms towards small physicochemical changes in their surroundings. The contributors — noted experts in the field — cover a wide range of topics such as microbial metabolism and production (fungi, bacteria, yeast etc); refined and non-refined carbon sources; bioprocessing; microbial synthesis, responses and performance; and biochemical, molecular and extra/intracellular controlling. This resource contains a compilation of literature on biochemical and cellular level mechanisms for microbial controlled production and includes the most significant recent advances in industrial fermentation. The text offers a balanced approach between theory and practical application, and helps readers gain a clear understanding of microbial physiological adaptation during fermentation and its cumulative effect on productivity. This important book: Presents the fundamental molecular mechanisms involved in microbial sensing in relation to fermentation technology Includes information on the significant recent advances in industrial fermentation Contains contributions from a panel of highly-respected experts in their respective fields Offers a resource that will be essential reading for scientists, professionals and researchers from academia and industry with an interest in the biochemistry and microbiology of fermentation technology Written for researchers, graduate and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, such as biochemistry and applied microbiology, Microbial Sensing in Fermentation offers a review of the fundamental molecular mechanisms involved in the process of fermentation.

Nowadays, the implementation of novel technological platforms in biosensor-based developments is primarily directed to the miniaturization of analytical systems and lowering the limits of detection. Rapid scientific and technological progress enables the application of biosensors for the online detection of minute concentrations of different chemical compounds in a wide selection of matrixes and monitoring extremely low levels of biomarkers even in living organisms and individual cells. This book, including 16 chapters, characterizes the present state of the art and prospective options for micro and nanoscale activities in biosensors construction and applications.

In our world today, the pervasive threat of air, water, and soil contaminants has reached unprecedented levels, pushing ecosystems to the brink and causing harm to individuals worldwide. Despite numerous attempts by scholars to mitigate this crisis, we find ourselves in the infancy of understanding and combatting these pollutants. The lack of awareness among researchers regarding the types and extent of damage caused by contaminants further exacerbates the problem. This environmental dilemma calls for a transformative solution that not only identifies pollutants but also guides sustainable efforts to cleanse our vital ecosystems. Sensors for Environmental Monitoring, Identification, and Assessment is a groundbreaking book designed to revolutionize environmental research and provide a roadmap for tackling pollution head-on. This comprehensive guide is poised to make a significant impact on scholars, environmentalists, planners, researchers, industrialists, and academics globally. By delving into the diverse realms of environmental sensors, the book equips readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify pollutants in varied ecosystems and adopt sustainable approaches for cleanup. Its recommended topics cover critical areas such as indoor pollution, noise pollution, advancements in sensor technology, and the detection of pollutants in soil, water, air, and oceans.

Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.