Environmental Fluoride Detection at the Point of Use Using a Cell-Free Riboswitch-Based Biosensor

Abstract

The development of programmable molecular systems to identify a variety of chemicals, diseases, and nucleic acids
has been made possible by advancements in biosensor engineering. In this study, we design and evaluate a
biosensor for fluoride, a significant groundwater contaminant of international concern. A DNA template that
encodes a fluoride-responsive riboswitch that controls genes that provide a fluorescent or colorimetric output
makes up the sensor's cell-free system. In both laboratory and field settings, individual reactions may detect fluoride
at levels exceeding 2 ppm, the Environmental Protection Agency's strictest regulation standard, and can be
lyophilized for long-term preservation. This work offers a crucial proof-of-principle for the future engineering of
riboswitches and other biosensors to solve issues for the environment and global health by detecting fluoride onsite in a real-world water supply