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Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals pp 143–157Cite as

Biosensing of Heavy Metals

Part of the Microbiology Monographs book series (MICROMONO,volume 6)

Abstract

Naturally occurring, regulated resistance mechanisms of bacteria against various heavy metals and metalloids have been used to construct whole-cell living biosensors or bioreporters. Molecular fusions of regulatory circuits with reporter genes encoding easily detectable reporter proteins enable bioreporters to sense metal targets, typically at concentrations in the nanomolar to micromolar range, although more sensitive sensors also exist. The biological components of extant bioreporter constructs and the target ranges and sensitivities of bioreporter constructs are presented. An outlook on developments using novel molecular interactions as triggers of the biological responses and strategies for the improvement of bioreporters is given. Application examples are presented that illustrate the capability of bioreporters to measure bioavailable fractions of the target species rather than total loads.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany

    Hauke Harms

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  1. Hauke Harms
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Correspondence to Hauke Harms .

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Dietrich H. Nies Simon Silver

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© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Harms, H. (2007). Biosensing of Heavy Metals. In: Nies, D.H., Silver, S. (eds) Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals. Microbiology Monographs, vol 6. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7171_2006_076

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