Rice University Develops Dual-Bacterial Sensors for Environmental and Health Monitoring
A team led by Rice University professor Caroline Ajo-Franklin has developed a new bioelectrical sensor system called the electroactive co-culture sensing system (e-COSENS). This innovative technology uses synthetic microbial co-cultures to detect various analytes, offering potential advancements in health monitoring and environmental tracking. The system employs a co-culture approach, utilizing two bacterial species, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus plantarum, to divide sensing and electrical signal production tasks. This method allows for the detection of heavy metal ions, inflammation indicators, antimicrobial peptides, and antibiotic residues. The sensors produce measurable electrical responses quickly, some within twenty minutes of exposure. The development includes a compact electronic disk that interfaces with digital multimeters, making the system portable and user-friendly. 
