Signal Amplification for Cell-Free Biosensors, an Analog-to-Digital Converter

• DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00227
• Publication Date: 2023-10-04T16:01:58Z
• Authors: Rafael A. L. Franco; Gabriel Brenner; Vitória F. B. Zocca; Gabriela B. de Paiva; Rayane N. Lima; Elibio L. Rech; Danilo T. Amaral; Milca R. C. R. Lins; Danielle B. Pedrolli
• Keywords: SIGNAL (programming language); Analog-to-digital converter

Toehold switches are biosensors useful for the detection of endogenous and environmental RNAs. They have been successfully engineered to detect virus RNAs in cell-free gene expression reactions. Their inherent sequence programmability makes engineering a fast predictable process. Despite improvements design, toehold suffer from leaky translation OFF state, which compromises fold change sensitivity biosensor. To address this, we constructed tested signal amplification circuits three triggered by Dengue SARS-CoV-2 an artificial RNA. The serine integrase circuit efficiently contained leakage, boosted ON, decreased limit 3–4 orders magnitude. Ultimately, converted analog switches' signals into digital-like output. is broadly eliminates hard work designing testing multiple find best possible performer.