Study and optimization of bioluminescent bacteria as biosensing element in environmental analysis

Bacterial bioluminescence is an interesting property of microorganisms. Being the result of a metabolic process (the oxydation of an organic compound (generically called luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase, a variation in bioluminescence emission is considered a quick indicator of the induction of metabolic stress potentially due to pollution. In recent years many ecotoxicity assays were developed and commercially distributed. Strains of naturally bioluminescent bacteria were studied in order to identify useful strains for use in biosensor, in which bacteria previously freeze-dried and then rehydrated are the sensing element. After optimizing the freeze-drying process, biotoxicity assays were done using different heavy metals and organic compounds (primarily pesticides) in water.