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Biosensors
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Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications
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Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensor and Bioelectronic Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 10492

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hideaki Nakamura

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Liberal Arts, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
Interests: microbial biosensors; yeast; BOD; toxicuty; soil; mediator
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The time has come for us human beings to recognize that we are no longer consumers of the Earth's ecosystem, but wasters. In order to live together with other living organisms on this planet, we need to change our lives. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set and adopted as the “2030 Agenda” by the United Nations in 2015. Unfortunately, there are many difficulties in achieving that goal.

However, we must not give up on these goals; we must all do what we can, transcending national and regional boundaries. As Special Issue editors, although what we can do may be very small, we hope to go beyond barriers and contribute to the development of science and technology and the preservation of the global environment.

Microbial biosensors consisting of microbial cell(s) as an analyte sensor and a transducer as an electrical signal converter have been studied and developed for environmental, agricultural, food, and biomedical applications. These microbial biosensors have been supported by studying a variety of principles and device designs.

In the present Special Issue, we welcome submissions of research papers and critical reviews focusing on the following topics:

Design:

  • Novel designs of chip/cell/array for microbial biosensors;
  • Novel designs of self-powered device for microbial biosensors;
  • Novel designs of online, on-site, or remote monitoring; 
  • Novel designs for microbial immobilization;
  • Novel designs for single-microbial-cell biosensors.

Application:

  • Application to environmental water or wastewater monitoring; 
  • Application to estimate soil environment or bioremediation;
  • Application to agriculture, aquafarming, or aquaponics;
  • Micro/nanotechnology and novel materials applied to microbial biosensors;
  • Novel instrumentation systems for microbial biosensors.

Others:

  • New solutions applied in microbial biosensors;
  • Interdisciplinary study leading to microbial biosensor development.

Note: microbes generally refer to single-celled organisms, but in microbiology they also include viruses. In the present Special Issue, we are accepting a wide range of submissions regarding biosensors using these as sensing elements.

Dr. Hideaki Nakamura
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biosensors is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microbial biosensor
  • whole-cell biosensor
  • cell-based biosensor
  • microbial fuel cell
  • BOD
  • toxicity
  • immobilization
  • mediator
  • electron transfer
  • monitoring

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 13470 KiB  
Article
Hydrocarbonoclastic Biofilm-Based Microbial Fuel Cells: Exploiting Biofilms at Water-Oil Interface for Renewable Energy and Wastewater Remediation
by Nicola Lovecchio, Roberto Giuseppetti, Lucia Bertuccini, Sandra Columba-Cabezas, Valentina Di Meo, Mario Figliomeni, Francesca Iosi, Giulia Petrucci, Michele Sonnessa, Fabio Magurano and Emilio D’Ugo
Biosensors 2024, 14(10), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14100484 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 860
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for sustainable energy generation, which leverages the metabolic activities of microorganisms to convert organic substrates into electrical energy. In oil spill scenarios, hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms naturally form at the water–oil interface, creating a distinct environment for [...] Read more.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for sustainable energy generation, which leverages the metabolic activities of microorganisms to convert organic substrates into electrical energy. In oil spill scenarios, hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms naturally form at the water–oil interface, creating a distinct environment for microbial activity. In this work, we engineered a novel MFC that harnesses these biofilms by strategically positioning the positive electrode at this critical junction, integrating the biofilm’s natural properties into the MFC design. These biofilms, composed of specialized hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, are vital in supporting electron transfer, significantly enhancing the system’s power generation. Next-generation sequencing and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microbial community, revealing a significant enrichment of hydrocarbonoclastic Gammaproteobacteria within the biofilm. Notably, key genera such as Paenalcaligenes, Providencia, and Pseudomonas were identified as dominant members, each contributing to the degradation of complex hydrocarbons and supporting the electrogenic activity of the MFCs. An electrochemical analysis demonstrated that the MFC achieved a stable power output of 51.5 μW under static conditions, with an internal resistance of about 1.05 kΩ. The system showed remarkable long-term stability, which maintained consistent performance over a 5-day testing period, with an average daily energy storage of approximately 216 mJ. Additionally, the MFC effectively recovered after deep discharge cycles, sustaining power output for up to 7.5 h before requiring a recovery period. Overall, the study indicates that MFCs based on hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms provide a dual-functionality system, combining renewable energy generation with environmental remediation, particularly in wastewater treatment. Despite lower power output compared to other hydrocarbon-degrading MFCs, the results highlight the potential of this technology for autonomous sensor networks and other low-power applications, which required sustainable energy sources. Moreover, the hydrocarbonoclastic biofilm-based MFC presented here offer significant potential as a biosensor for real-time monitoring of hydrocarbons and other contaminants in water. The biofilm’s electrogenic properties enable the detection of organic compound degradation, positioning this system as ideal for environmental biosensing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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14 pages, 2684 KiB  
Article
Advanced Imaging Methodology in Bacterial Biofilms with a Fluorescent Enzymatic Sensor for pepN Activity
by Javier Valverde-Pozo, Jose M. Paredes, María Eugenia García-Rubiño, María Dolores Girón, Rafael Salto, Jose M. Alvarez-Pez and Eva M. Talavera
Biosensors 2024, 14(9), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14090424 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1145
Abstract
This research explores the use of the pepN activity fluorescent sensor DCM-Ala in bacterial biofilms, emphasizing its significance due to the critical role of biofilms in various biological processes. Advanced imaging techniques were employed to visualize pepN activity, introducing a novel approach to [...] Read more.
This research explores the use of the pepN activity fluorescent sensor DCM-Ala in bacterial biofilms, emphasizing its significance due to the critical role of biofilms in various biological processes. Advanced imaging techniques were employed to visualize pepN activity, introducing a novel approach to examining biofilm maturity. We found that the overexpression of pepN increases the ability of E. coli to form biofilm. The findings demonstrate varying levels of pepN activity throughout biofilm development, suggesting potential applications in biofilm research and management. The results indicate that the fluorescent emission from this sensor could serve as a reliable indicator of biofilm maturity, and the imaging techniques developed could enhance our understanding and control of biofilm-related processes. This work highlights the importance of innovative methods in biofilm study and opens new avenues for utilizing chemical emissions in biofilm management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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12 pages, 6173 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Stability and Detection Range of Microbial Electrochemical Biotoxicity Sensor by Polydopamine Encapsulation
by Zengfu Guan, Jiaguo Yan, Haiyuan Yan, Bin Li, Lei Guo, Qiang Sun, Tie Geng, Xiaoxuan Guo, Lidong Liu, Wenqing Yan and Xin Wang
Biosensors 2024, 14(8), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14080365 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 947
Abstract
With the rapid development of modern industry, it is urgently needed to measure the biotoxicity of complex chemicals. Microbial electrochemical biotoxicity sensors are an attractive technology; however, their application is usually limited by their stability and reusability after measurements. Here, we improve their [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of modern industry, it is urgently needed to measure the biotoxicity of complex chemicals. Microbial electrochemical biotoxicity sensors are an attractive technology; however, their application is usually limited by their stability and reusability after measurements. Here, we improve their performance by encapsulating the electroactive biofilm with polydopamine (PDA), and we evaluate the improvement by different concentrations of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Ag+, and Fe3+) in terms of inhibition ratio (IR) and durability. Results indicate that the PDA-encapsulated sensor exhibits a more significant detection concentration than the control group, with a 3-fold increase for Cu2+ and a 1.5-fold increase for Ag+. Moreover, it achieves 15 more continuous toxicity tests than the control group, maintaining high electrochemical activity even after continuous toxicity impacts. Images from a confocal laser scanning microscope reveal that the PDA encapsulation protects the activity of the electroactive biofilm. The study, thus, demonstrates that PDA encapsulation is efficacious in improving the performance of microbial electrochemical biotoxicity sensors, which can extend its application to more complex media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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12 pages, 2956 KiB  
Article
Nanosensor-Enabled Detection and Identification of Intracellular Bacterial Infections in Macrophages
by Aritra Nath Chattopadhyay, Mingdi Jiang, Jessa Marie V. Makabenta, Jungmi Park, Yingying Geng and Vincent Rotello
Biosensors 2024, 14(8), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14080360 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1634
Abstract
Opportunistic bacterial pathogens can evade the immune response by residing and reproducing within host immune cells, including macrophages. These intracellular infections provide reservoirs for pathogens that enhance the progression of infections and inhibit therapeutic strategies. Current sensing strategies for intracellular infections generally use [...] Read more.
Opportunistic bacterial pathogens can evade the immune response by residing and reproducing within host immune cells, including macrophages. These intracellular infections provide reservoirs for pathogens that enhance the progression of infections and inhibit therapeutic strategies. Current sensing strategies for intracellular infections generally use immunosensing of specific biomarkers on the cell surface or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the corresponding nucleic acids, making detection difficult, time-consuming, and challenging to generalize. Intracellular infections can induce changes in macrophage glycosylation, providing a potential strategy for signature-based detection of intracellular infections. We report here the detection of bacterial infection in macrophages using a boronic acid (BA)-based pH-responsive polymer sensor array engineered to distinguish mammalian cell phenotypes by their cell surface glycosylation signatures. The sensor was able to discriminate between different infecting bacteria in minutes, providing a promising tool for diagnostic and screening applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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11 pages, 2723 KiB  
Article
Pipeline Terracotta Microbial Fuel Cell: Organic Content Biosensor and Energy Harvesting Device Integrated in Wastewater Pipeline
by Trang Nakamoto, Dung Nakamoto and Kozo Taguchi
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050224 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1447
Abstract
Wastewater pipelines are present everywhere in urban areas. Wastewater is a preferable fuel for renewable electricity generation from microbial fuel cells. Here, we created an integrated microbial fuel cell pipeline (MFCP) that could be connected to wastewater pipelines and work as an organic [...] Read more.
Wastewater pipelines are present everywhere in urban areas. Wastewater is a preferable fuel for renewable electricity generation from microbial fuel cells. Here, we created an integrated microbial fuel cell pipeline (MFCP) that could be connected to wastewater pipelines and work as an organic content biosensor and energy harvesting device at domestic waste-treatment plants. The MFCP used a pipeline-like terracotta-based membrane, which provided structural support for the MFCP. In addition, the anode and cathode were attached to the inside and outside of the terracotta membrane, respectively. Co−MnO2 was used as a catalyst to improve the performance of the MFCP cathode. The experimental data showed a good linear relationship between wastewater chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration and the MFCP output voltage in a COD range of 200–1900 mg/L. This result implies the potential of using the MFCP as a sensor to detect the organic content of the wastewater inside the wastewater pipeline. Furthermore, the MFCP can be used as a long-lasting sustainable energy harvester with a maximum power density of 400 mW/m2 harvested from 1900 mg/L COD wastewater at 25 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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13 pages, 2749 KiB  
Article
Real-Time On-Site Monitoring of Viruses in Wastewater Using Nanotrap® Particles and RICCA Technologies
by Vishnu Sharma, Hitomi Takamura, Manish Biyani and Ryo Honda
Biosensors 2024, 14(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14030115 - 21 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an effective and efficient tool for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks in a community. However, currently available methods are laborious, costly, and time-consuming due to the low concentration of viruses and the presence of matrix chemicals in [...] Read more.
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an effective and efficient tool for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks in a community. However, currently available methods are laborious, costly, and time-consuming due to the low concentration of viruses and the presence of matrix chemicals in wastewater that may interfere with molecular analyses. In the present study, we designed a highly sensitive “Quick Poop (wastewater with fecal waste) Sensor” (termed, QPsor) using a joint approach of Nanotrap microbiome particles and RICCA (RNA Isothermal Co-Assisted and Coupled Amplification). Using QPsor, the WBE study showed a strong correlation with standard PEG concentrations and the qPCR technique. Using a closed format for a paper-based lateral flow assay, we were able to demonstrate the potential of our assay as a real-time, point-of-care test by detecting the heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater at concentrations of 100 copies/mL and within one hour. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we analyzed the presence of viral RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and PMMoV in raw wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants on-site and within 60 min. The results show that the QPsor method can be an effective tool for disease outbreak detection by combining an AI-enabled case detection model with real-time on-site viral RNA extraction and amplification, especially in the absence of intensive clinical laboratory facilities. The lab-free, lab-quality test capabilities of QPsor for viral prevalence and transmission in the community can contribute to the efficient management of pandemic situations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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Review

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53 pages, 30849 KiB  
Review
Microbial Biofilms: Features of Formation and Potential for Use in Bioelectrochemical Devices
by Roman Perchikov, Maxim Cheliukanov, Yulia Plekhanova, Sergei Tarasov, Anna Kharkova, Denis Butusov, Vyacheslav Arlyapov, Hideaki Nakamura and Anatoly Reshetilov
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060302 - 8 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
Microbial biofilms present one of the most widespread forms of life on Earth. The formation of microbial communities on various surfaces presents a major challenge in a variety of fields, including medicine, the food industry, shipping, etc. At the same time, this process [...] Read more.
Microbial biofilms present one of the most widespread forms of life on Earth. The formation of microbial communities on various surfaces presents a major challenge in a variety of fields, including medicine, the food industry, shipping, etc. At the same time, this process can also be used for the benefit of humans—in bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and various biotechnological processes. The main direction of using electroactive microbial biofilms is their incorporation into the composition of biosensor and biofuel cells This review examines the fundamental knowledge acquired about the structure and formation of biofilms, the properties they have when used in bioelectrochemical devices, and the characteristics of the formation of these structures on different surfaces. Special attention is given to the potential of applying the latest advances in genetic engineering in order to improve the performance of microbial biofilm-based devices and to regulate the processes that take place within them. Finally, we highlight possible ways of dealing with the drawbacks of using biofilms in the creation of highly efficient biosensors and biofuel cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biosensor: From Design to Applications)
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