Restoration of the Indicator Properties of Whole-cell Luminescent Biosensors

Whole-cell biosensors are widely used to produce medical diagnostic tests, but in the long term, they tend to lose their indicator properties. Consequently, it is crucial to find ways to restore these properties and prolong the shelf life of the tests. Here, we propose to use electromagnetic radiation with optimally selected parameters of frequency, power, and exposure time. The impact of radiation parameters on biosensor luminescence was studied as well as the effects of different types of radiation coming from laser sources (lambda = 875 nm), a LED source (lambda = 850 divided by 890 nm), and microwave units (at frequencies 42.22, 53.53, 61.18 i 34 divided by 38 GHz). IR treatment resulted in dose-dependent suppression of biosensor luminescence. The luminescence level when exposed to microwave radiation depends on the radiation time and frequency. Also, it has been found that optimal selection of the main radiation parameters enables to restore indicator properties partially lost by biosensors during storage. We explain the mechanism responsible for the sensitizing effect of radiation, which implies the polarization of solvent dipoles and changes in mobility of acceptor molecules. This, in turn, leads to a shift in the chemical equilibrium states and triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that lead to restoration of the lost indicator properties of biosensors. The study of antagonistic activity has revealed that restored biosensors provide reliable test results after the expiration of their warranty period.

Automated summary

This article introduces a method to restore the lost indicator properties of whole-cell biosensors using electromagnetic radiation. The study shows that radiation parameters have an impact on biosensor luminescence, and different types of radiation can partially restore the indicator properties of biosensors. The mechanism responsible for the sensitizing effect of radiation is explained, involving changes in solvent dipoles and mobility of acceptor molecules, triggering a cascade of biochemical reactions.