Evaluation of zraP gene expression characteristics and construction of a lead (Pb) sensing and removal system in a recombinant Escherichia coli.

Maruthamuthu, Murali; Ganesh, Irisappan; Ravikumar, Sambandam; Hong, Soon

A ZraP-based lead sensing and removal system was constructed in E. coli. It was regulated by the ZraS/ZraR two-component system. The expression profile of the z raP gene towards extracellular lead was studied via real-time PCR. A dual-function bacterial system was also designed to express GFP and OmpC-lead binding peptide under the control of zraP for the simultaneous sensing and adsorption of environmental lead without additional manipulation. The constructed bacterial system can emit fluorescence and it adsorbed a maximum of 487 µmol lead/g cell DCW. From a study of artificial wastewater, the constructed bacteria adsorbed lead highly selectively (427 µmol lead/g cell DCW) among other metal ions. The newly-constructed dual function bacterial system can be applied for the development of an efficient process for the removal of lead from polluted wastes.

MOLECULAR chaperones; GENE expression; LEAD removal (Sewage purification); CELL surface display; ZINC transporters; BACTERIAL genetics; ESCHERICHIA coli

Biotechnology Letters, 2015, Vol 37, Issue 3, p659

0141-5492

Academic Journal

10.1007/s10529-014-1732-x