Applying Directed Evolution to Improve Gamillus Luminescent Biosensors

Abstract

With the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance, scientists must find a way to develop improved treatments against bacterial infections as bacteria continues to quickly evolve. Many antibiotic and bacterial studies are conducted using bioluminescent proteins that can function as biosensors. These biosensors are crucial to the efficient and accurate detection of certain analytes in a solution. Our research resides in the improvement of these biosensors, specifically the Gamillus fluorescent protein. To improve these biosensors, we will be facilitating directed evolution onto the proteins and selecting for the optimal traits which we observe. With this approach, we will improve the sensitivity and specificity of these fluorescent biosensors.