The study constructed DNA sensor strains derived from B. subtilis PY79 to detect specific bacterial species. Plasmids were constructed to introduce fluorescent protein genes and a kill switch system. The sensor strains were designed to detect E. coli, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, and C. difficile. The study used a cell-based DNA detection system, where the sensor strains were transformed with target DNA sequences, and the transformation efficiency was measured. The results showed that the sensor strains could detect specific bacterial species with high sensitivity and specificity. The study also demonstrated multiplexed DNA detection using a mixture of sensor strains and target DNA sequences. The sensor strains were able to detect S. typhimurium and S. aureus in a complex microbial community. Additionally, the study showed that the sensor strains could be used for direct detection of target species in a mixed culture. The results suggest that the cell-based DNA sensors have potential applications in detecting specific bacterial species in various environments.
Engineering microbial cells for simultaneous genetic material identification
