Optimizing Whole-Cell Biosensors for the Early Detection of Crop Infections: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

This study presents a proof-of-concept evaluation of optimized whole-cell biosensors designed for the real-time detection of crop infections. Genetically engineered luminescent bacterial strains were used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by crops during spoilage. Key factors investigated include bacterial uniformity, nutrient supply, and temperature effects. The results demonstrated that lower temperatures (+4 °C) yielded higher sensor sensitivity and prolonged bacterial viability. A proof-of-concept evaluation was conducted in storage-like conditions, showing effective infection detection in potatoes. These findings underscore the potential of whole-cell-based biosensors for monitoring postharvest production in cold storage environments.

Code and data availability

The paper's bioluminescence/phenotyping data are explicitly available only on request and not public; the supplement contains only a schematic illustration, not datasets, images, or analysis code.

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