Microbial screening for melatonin responsive enzymes
Embargo Date
2024-01-26
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
While technology has enabled the miniaturization and deployment of biosensor devices, the development of biosensors has been limited by the lack of practical biorecognition elements for important bioanalytes. One such analyte is melatonin which plays a role in regulation of circadian rhythm, metabolism, and immunity. Over billions of years, microbes have evolved mechanisms to detect and degrade many small molecules in their environment. Thus, microbes are potentially a rich source for biorecognition elements. To address the need for biorecognition elements, a high-throughput functional screening approach for identifying oxidases has been utilized and enhanced. Over 168 million cells were screened for melatonin responsiveness. Three microbial enzymes potentially responsive to melatonin and compatible with a redox-based electrochemical sensor were identified from a metagenomic DNA library. These enzymes are potentially novel melatonin biosensors compatible with inexpensive, real-time sensor devices.