Keywords

cell-free protein synthesis, biosensor, synthetic biology, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, point-of-care testing, paper-based detection, lyophilization, multiplexed sensing

Abstract

Cell-free biosensors harness the selectivity of cellular machinery without living cells’ constraints, offering advantages in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and biotechnological applications. This review examines recent advances in cell-free biosensor development, highlighting their ability to detect diverse analytes including heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens, and clinical biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. We analyze technological innovations in cell-free protein synthesis optimization, preservation strategies, and field deployment methods that have enhanced sensitivity, and practical applicability. The integration of synthetic biology approaches has enabled complex signal processing, multiplexed detection, and novel sensor designs including riboswitches, split reporter systems, and metabolic sensing modules. Emerging materials such as supported lipid bilayers, hydrogels, and artificial cells are expanding biosensor capabilities through microcompartmentalization and electronic integration. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in standardization, sample interference mitigation, and cost reduction. Future opportunities include smartphone integration, enhanced preservation methods, and hybrid sensing platforms. Cell-free biosensors hold particular promise for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings, environmental monitoring applications, and food safety testing, representing essential tools for addressing global challenges in healthcare, environmental protection, and biosecurity.

Original Publication Citation

Green, T. P., Talley, J. P., & Bundy, B. C. (2025). Recent Advances in Developing Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics and Environmental Monitoring. Biosensors, 15(8), 499. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080499

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2025-08-03

Publisher

MDPI

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering

Department

Chemical Engineering

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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