Synthetic biology based methods for biosensors engineering

Biosensors are devices capable of detecting a biological analyte through a reacting element and subsequently converting the signal, via a transduction process, into a measurable output that varies based on the concentration of the measurand. Among them are living biosensors, defined as living cells engineered using synthetic biology techniques to interact with biomolecules and provide quantitative and qualitative information. To produce these systems, it is necessary to transform cells by inserting rationally designed genetic constructs and circuits of interest, which enable the ability to interact with the analyte and subsequently activate a molecular pathway, culminating in the activation of a reporter gene expression. This enables the production of low-cost devices that optimize sensitivity to the desired measurand and provide simple-to-measure, detectable signals. Living biosensors can be integrated into a wide range of practices across various fields, including research, diagnostics and healthcare, environmental studies, and military applications. It is therefore beneficial to expand research in this direction, aiming to enhance the availability and versatility of these systems. This thesis, which begins with an introduction to sensors and synthetic biology, highlights the state of the art in living biosensors, showcasing recent advancements, applications, and future research directions.