Novel Biosensor Technology for the Determination of Bioavailable Iron in Aquatic Ecosystems

尽管越来越多的人认识到铁的分布和有效性在全球海洋生产中的重要性，但这种痕量金属的生物地球化学特征仍然很差。特别是，特别需要开发技术来估计浮游植物可利用的铁的比例。在这个项目中，鲍林格林州立大学的科学家们将构建一种新型的、经过基因工程的细胞生物传感器，用于测定劳伦斯五大湖水域中的生物可利用铁。蓝藻聚球藻。PCC7942将用于构建生物传感器，并将在短期铁限制生长速度实验、铁添加以及研究温度和光线的影响中评估生物传感器的响应。在现场，研究小组将研究以离散深度间隔收集的水在甲板上孵化以及在现场部署到离散深度时的生物传感器性能。生物传感器的响应将与生物可利用铁的其他独立化学测量进行比较。一旦这项技术在五大湖得到开发和完善，就有可能开始开发类似的海水工具。

ABSTRACTOCE-9911592Despite increasing recognition that iron distribution and availability is significant in terms of global oceanic production, the biogeochemistry of this trace metal remains poorly characterized. In particular, it particularly desirable to develop techniques for estimating what portion of iron is available for utilization by the phytoplankton. In this project, scientists at the Bowling Green State University will construct a novel, genetically-engineered cell biosensor for use in the determination of bioavailable iron in the waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes. The Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 will be used for the construction of the biosensor, and biosensor response will be evaluated in short-term Fe-limited growth-rate experiments, iron additions, and in studies to investigate the influences of temperature and light. In the field, the research team will study the biosensor performance in on-deck incubations of water collected at discrete depth intervals as well as in in-situ deployments to discrete depths. Biosensor response will be compared to other independent chemical measurements of bioavailable iron. Once the technology is developed and perfected in the Great Lakes, it will be possible to begin development of a similar tool for seawater.