A primer on emerging field-deployable synthetic biology tools for global water quality monitoring

• DOI: 10.1038/s41545-020-0064-8
• Publication Date: 2020-04-03T10:06:32Z
• Authors: Walter Thavarajah; Matthew S. Verosloff; Jaeyoung K. Jung; Khalid K. Alam; Joshua D. Miller; Michael C. Jewett; Sera L. Young; Julius B. Lucks
• Keywords: Synthetic Biology; Environmental Monitoring

Abstract Tracking progress towards Target 6.1 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, “achieving universal and equitable access to safe affordable drinking water for all”, necessitates development simple, inexpensive tools monitor quality. The rapidly growing field synthetic biology has potential address this need by isolating DNA-encoded sensing elements from nature reassembling them create field-deployable “biosensors” that can detect pathogenic or chemical contaminants. Here, we describe current quality monitoring strategies enabled compare previous approaches used three priority contaminants (i.e., fecal pathogens, arsenic, fluoride), as well explain engineered biosensors simplify decentralize monitoring. We conclude with an outlook on future biosensor development, in which discuss their adaptability emerging (e.g., metals, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals), outline limitations, propose steps overcome field’s outstanding challenges facilitate global