We describe the bioluminescence of a genetically engineered Escherichia coli harboring a recombined plasmid with a catalase gene promoter fused lux gene cluster, responsible for the generation of photons closely associated with respiratory inhibition, with the aim of applying it for cyanide sensing. This E. coli construct was favorably utilized for the microplate assay of cyanide by leveraging the microenvironment of the biocompatible alginate. The brightness of the bioluminescence, induced by cyanide stimulation of the respiration causative of the production of hydrogen peroxide, positively correlates with its concentration. Moreover, visualization of cyanide with a consumer digital camera, ranging in concentration from about 0.01 mg CN·L-1 in the alginate sol to around 100 mg CN·L-1 in its gel, was attained.
Keywords: Bioluminescence; Escherichia coli; alginate; bacterial luciferase; catalase promoter; cyanide; lux gene; microenvironment; microplate assay; photobacterium.