Development of a tyrosine-tyrosinase it for connecting cellular communication with electronic networks

• There is a growing interest in mediating information transfer between biology and electronics. By the addition of redox mediators to various samples, one can electronically obtain a redox “portrait” of a biological system and additionally program gene expression in suitably engineered cells. We have created a cell-based synthetic biology-electrochemical axis in which engineered cells process molecular cues producing an output that can be directly recorded via electronics – without added redox mediators. The process is robust; two key components must be together to provide a valid signal. The system builds on the tyrosinase-mediated conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA and L-DOPAquinone, which are both redox active. “Sensor” cells provide for signal-mediated surface expression of tyrosinase. Similarly, “producer” cells synthesize and export tyrosine. In co-cultures, this system enables real-time electrochemical transduction of the original molecular cues. To demonstrate, we eavesdrop on the quorum sensing molecules from Pseudomonas aeruginosa N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone and pyocyanin.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Industriell bioteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Industrial Biotechnology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Biotechnology

Bioteknologi

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)