MIT technology can see microbes from 90 meters away
15 hours ago
- #hyperspectral-imaging
- #biosensors
- #synthetic-biology
- Nature has evolved diverse biosensors, enabling organisms to detect chemical gradients, magnetic fields, and light.
- Humans have historically used animals like pigeons and dogs to extend their sensory capabilities.
- Modern biosensors combine a biological sensor (e.g., enzyme or engineered cell) with a transducer to produce detectable signals.
- Traditional biosensor outputs (e.g., GFP, luciferase) are limited by visibility and range, often requiring close proximity.
- Recent advances include ultrasound and MRI-compatible transducers, and hyperspectral imaging for remote detection up to 90 meters.
- Hyperspectral cameras, originally developed by NASA, split light into hundreds of spectral bands to detect molecular signatures.
- MIT researchers engineered microbes to produce pigments (biliverdin IXα and bacteriochlorophyll a) detectable via hyperspectral drones.
- Regulatory hurdles, particularly under the TSCA, complicate the commercialization of genetically engineered biosensors.
- Companies like Pivot Bio circumvent regulations by modifying existing genomes rather than transferring genes between species.
- Future biosensors aim to detect hidden targets (e.g., underground pathogens) using volatile molecules and advanced imaging.