Dual-Signal Microbial Biosensor for the Detection of Dopamine without Inference from Other Catecholamine Neurotransmitters

Abstract

Dopamine, one of catecholamine neurotransmitters, plays an important role in many brain functions and behavioral responses. In this study, we developed a novel dual-signal whole-cell biosensor for the detection of dopamine through the generation of red fluorescent proteins and 6-decarboxylated betaxanthin pigments. The proposed system responses specifically to dopamine with a detection limit of 1.43 μM. Furthermore, a combination of dual output signals makes it possible to reduce the interference from other catecholamine neurotransmitters, including L-DOPA, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.