Single bacterial cell detection using a mutant luciferase.

Biotechnol Lett

Interdisciplinary Research on Integration of Semiconductor and Biotechnology, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8530, Japan.

Published: June 2008

AI Article Synopsis

  • Researchers created a genetically modified luciferase from Photinus pyralis that produces over 10 times more luminescence than the original enzyme.
  • This enhanced luciferase allows detection of ATP at extremely low levels (10^-18 mol), similar to the amount in a single bacterial cell.
  • As a result, the team can identify bacterial contamination in samples with as few as one colony-forming unit (c.f.u.) for bacteria like Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.

Article Abstract

Previously, we constructed a genetically modified luciferase of Photinus pyralis that generates more than 10-fold higher luminescence intensity than the wild-type enzyme. In this study, we demonstrate that this modified luciferase enables us to detect ATP at 10(-18) mol, which is almost equal to the quantity contained in a single bacterial cell. Consequently,we have been able to detect bacterial contamination in samples as low as one colony-forming unit (c.f.u.) for both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10529-008-9643-3DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

single bacterial
8
bacterial cell
8
modified luciferase
8
cell detection
4
detection mutant
4
mutant luciferase
4
luciferase constructed
4
constructed genetically
4
genetically modified
4
luciferase photinus
4

Similar Publications

IgA1 protease is one of the virulence factors of , and other pathogens causing bacterial meningitis. The aim of this research is to create recombinant proteins based on fragments of the mature IgA1 protease A-P from serogroup B strain H44/76. These proteins are potential components of an antimeningococcal vaccine for protection against infections caused by pathogenic strains of and other bacteria producing serine-type IgA1 proteases.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Pathogen bacteria appear and survive on various surfaces made of steel or glass. The existence of these bacteria in different forms causes significant problems in healthcare facilities and society. Therefore, the surface engineering of highly potent antimicrobial coatings is highly important in the 21st century, a period that began with a series of epidemics.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

: To improve the solubility and permeability of Sparfloxacin (SPX) and enhance its antimicrobial activity in vitro, two unreported pharmaceutical crystalline salts were synthesized and characterized in this paper. One is a hydrated crystal of Sparfloxacin with Pimelic acid (PIA), another is a hydrated crystal of Sparfloxacin with Azelaic acid (AZA), namely, SPX-PIA-HO (2CHFNO·CHO·2HO) and SPX-AZA-HO (4CHFNO·2CHO·5HO). : The structure and purity of two crystalline salts were analyzed using solid-state characterization methods such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Effect of Oral Care Product Ingredients on Oral Pathogenic Bacteria Transcriptomics Through RNA-Seq.

Microorganisms

December 2024

Oral Care Product Development, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA.

Various ingredients are utilized to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria associated with cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. However, the precise mechanisms by which these ingredients affect the oral microbiome have not been fully understood at the molecular level. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, a high-throughput bacterial transcriptomics study was conducted, and the gene expression profiles of six common oral bacteria, including two Gram-positive bacteria (, ) and four Gram-negative bacteria (, , , and ), were analyzed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A novel bacterial strain, DGFC5, was isolated from a municipal sewage disposal system. It efficiently removed ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite under conditions of 5% salinity, without intermediate accumulation. Provided with a mixed nitrogen source, DGFC5 showed a higher utilization priority for NH-N.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!