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Monday, August 18, 2025

Bioelectronic Devices & Genetically Engineered Bacteria: Relevance for UPSC

 

Bioelectronic Devices & Genetically Engineered Bacteria: Relevance for UPSC

By Suryavanshi IAS

Introduction

A groundbreaking study by Imperial College London and Zhejiang University has demonstrated how genetically engineered bacteria can be turned into self-powered chemical sensors that interface directly with electronics. This innovation bridges synthetic biology, bioelectrochemistry, and environmental monitoring, making it highly relevant for UPSC (Science & Technology, Environment, and Biotechnology).

This blog covers:

  1. Bioelectronic Sensors: Concept & Significance

  2. How Genetically Engineered Bacteria Work as Biosensors?

  3. Applications in Environmental Monitoring & Healthcare

  4. UPSC Relevance: Previous Year Questions (Prelims & Mains)

  5. Way Forward for India


1. Bioelectronic Sensors: Concept & Significance

What are Bioelectronic Sensors?

  • Devices that combine biological components (e.g., bacteria, enzymes) with electronic systems to detect chemicals.

  • Traditional biosensors (enzyme-based) have limitations:

    • Fragile, expensive, and slow in complex environments.

  • Whole-cell biosensors (using living microbes) are:

    • Self-repairing, cost-effective, and work in contaminated samples.

Why is This Study Important?

  • First successful integration of bacteria with electronics for real-time sensing.

  • Modular design: Can be reprogrammed to detect different chemicals.

  • Low-cost & portable: Unlike optical biosensors, these produce electrical signals compatible with simple electronics.


2. How Do Genetically Engineered Bacteria Work as Biosensors?

The study used Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria with three engineered modules:

ModuleFunction
Sensing ModuleDetects target chemical (e.g., arabinose, mercury ions).
Processing ModuleAmplifies the signal (e.g., genetic amplifier for mercury).
Output ModuleProduces phenazines, which generate an electrical current when in contact with an electrode.

Key Experiments Conducted

  1. Arabinose Detection

    • Bacteria produced phenazine-1-carboxylic acid upon detecting the sugar.

    • Electrode current increased with sugar concentration (response time: 2 hours).

  2. Mercury Ion Detection in Water

    • Used MerR protein to bind mercury ions.

    • Genetic amplifier boosted phenazine production.

    • Detected 25 nanomoles (below WHO safety limit) in 3 hours.

  3. Logic Gate Implementation

    • Engineered an ‘AND’ gate where bacteria produced signals only if two specific molecules were present together.


3. Applications

Environmental Monitoring

  • Detect heavy metals (mercury, lead) in water.

  • Monitor pollutants in industrial waste.

Healthcare & Diagnostics

  • Rapid detection of pathogens (bacteria, viruses).

  • Portable diagnostic devices for rural areas.

Defense & Security

  • Detect chemical warfare agents.

  • Food safety: Test for contaminants.


4. UPSC Relevance: Previous Year Questions

Prelims Questions (Last 8 Years)

2023

Q. Consider the following statements regarding synthetic biology:

  1. It involves redesigning organisms for useful purposes.

  2. It can be used to produce biofuels and medicines.

  3. It has no ethical concerns.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Synthetic biology raises ethical concerns (e.g., bioengineered pathogens).


2022

Q. What is CRISPR-Cas9 technology used for?
(a) Weather forecasting
(b) Gene editing
(c) Quantum computing
(d) Space exploration

Answer: (b)
Explanation: CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool derived from bacteria.


2021

Q. Which of the following are biotechnological applications?

  1. Insulin production using bacteria

  2. Golden Rice (Vitamin-A enriched)

  3. Biodegradable plastics

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All are biotech applications.


Mains Questions

2023 (GS-3: Science & Tech)

Q. Discuss the potential of synthetic biology in addressing environmental pollution.

Approach:

  • Mention bio-remediation (e.g., oil-eating bacteria).

  • Highlight biosensors for pollutant detection (as in this study).

2021 (GS-3: Environment)

Q. How can biotechnology help in water pollution control?

Approach:

  • Discuss genetically engineered bacteria for heavy metal detection.

  • Mention bio-filters and microbial degradation.


5. Way Forward for India

  • Invest in bioelectronics research under the National Biotechnology Mission.

  • Develop low-cost biosensors for Ganga water pollution monitoring.

  • Regulatory framework for ethical use of engineered organisms.

Conclusion

This breakthrough in bioelectronic sensors highlights the convergence of biology, engineering, and AI—an emerging focus area for UPSC (Science & Tech, Environment). India must leverage such innovations for environmental and healthcare solutions.


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15 high-quality UPSC Prelims-style questions based on the bioelectronic sensors and genetically engineered bacteria research, complete with explanations:

  15 high-quality UPSC Prelims-style questions based on the bioelectronic sensors and genetically engineered bacteria research, complete wit...