Integration of a Gold-Specific Whole E. coli Cell Sensing and Adsorption Based on BioBrick

Detection and recovery of heavy metals from environmental sources is a major task in environmental protection and governance. Based on previous research into cell-based visual detection and biological adsorption, we have developed a novel system combining these two functions by the BioBrick technique. The gold-specific sensory gol regulon was assembled on the gold-chaperone GolB (Gold-specific binding protein), which is responsible for selectively absorbing gold ions, and this led to an integration system with increased probe tolerance for gold. After being incorporated into E. coli, this system featured high-selective detection and recycling of gold ions among multi-metal ions from the environment. It serves as an efficient method for biological detection and recovery of various heavy metals. We have developed modular methods for cell-based detection and adsorption of heavy metals, and these offer a quick and convenient tool for development in this area.