Genetically Encoded Sensors for Next Generation Biosensing
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Engineering Genetically Encoded Sensors That Do Not Require Specialized Detection Equipment
We develop genetically encoded biosensors that produce visually detectable signals without the need for specialized instrumentation. By leveraging chromoprotein circular permutation and long-stokes shift, UV-excited fluorescent proteins, we create sensor systems that convert molecular recognition events directly into colorimetric or fluorescence outputs visible under simple illumination. These designs enable low-cost, biological sensing platforms for applied biotechnology applications.
Our platform enables real-time visualization of calcium dynamics and detection of peptide epitopes using only a conventional light microscope and camera.
Visible Color Peptide Indicator - Technology Preview
Visible Color Peptide Indicator - Technology Preview
Visible Color Peptide Indicator — Structural Mechanism Overview
Close-up of modeled peptide-sensor interaction
The Visible-Color Indicator platform enables real-time detection of intracellular analyte dynamics through visible color shifts. The system is designed to couple analyte binding events to controlled conformational changes within an engineered sensor scaffold, producing a visible optical response without external reagents or complex instrumentation.
Current Research Objectives
Current Objectives:
Aim 1 - Develop New Fluorescent Proteins of Synthetic Lineage using Protein Language Model Design.
Aim 2 - Develop Fast Folding Circularly Permuted Chromoproteins through Iterative Rounds of Evolution.
Aim 3 - Evolve Current Biosensor Prototypes (Soluble Copper Mining Scaffold and Chromoprotein-Based Indicators).
Current projects include:
Current projects include:
• Visible-color calcium indicators
Genetically encoded reporters engineered to produce colorimetric signals in response to calcium dynamics, enabling low-cost monitoring of cellular signaling without fluorescence instrumentation.
• Visible-color peptide-epitope biosensors
Antibody- and peptide-binding sensor systems that generate direct color or fluorescence outputs upon target recognition for simple, field-compatible detection.
• Csp3 copper-binding biosensor scaffold
Engineered metal-binding protein variants designed for copper detection and environmental sensing, with applications in mining, water monitoring, and industrial process control.
Progress Update
Engineered Biosensor Scaffold (Soluble Copper Mining Application).
Characterization of Copper Mining Scaffold.
Enhancement of UV-Excited Fluorescent Proteins.
Left: Structural model of the cpGFP–Csp3 construct showing the circularly permuted GFP reporter (green) linked to the copper-binding scaffold (orange). Middle: Excitation and emission spectra of the cpGFP:CSP3 construct demonstrating preserved fluorescence with peak excitation near 490 nm and emission near 515 nm. Right: Fluorescence intensity measurements (405 nm excitation) of multiple engineered variants compared to eYFPuv control and PBS controls, showing increased signal in selected clones, indicating successful enhancement of the UV-excited fluorescent protein template. Statistical significance indicated by **** (p < 0.0001).
Future Directions: In-Silico Design of Csp3 to Disrupt Tetramer Interface and Enable Monomer Scaffold
Future Directions: In-Silico Design of Csp3 to Disrupt Tetramer Interface and Enable Monomer Scaffold
Energy Evaluation of Designed Csp3 Monomers in Native Tetrameric Assembly
Energy Evaluation of Designed Csp3 Monomers in Native Tetrameric Assembly
Rosetta Ensemble Analysis Identifies Csp3 Monomer Designs with Destabilized Tetramer Interfaces and Favorable Full-Atom Energetics
Rosetta Ensemble Analysis Identifies Csp3 Monomer Designs with Destabilized Tetramer Interfaces and Favorable Full-Atom Energetics
Rosetta-based interface redesign was used to disrupt the native tetrameric assembly of Csp3 and generate a monomeric scaffold for current copper mining biosensor prototype. Top designs were selected using high interface energy and low total pose energy. The monomeric form may offer improved expression, increased signal brightness, and more efficient surface display on engineered materials, allowing metal ion coordination while reporting binding saturation through a fluorescent readout.
Surface-Immobilized Protein Biosensors for Real-Time Metal Detection and Recovery
Surface-Immobilized Protein Biosensors for Real-Time Metal Detection and Recovery
Work With Us to Build the Future of Biosensing
Work With Us to Build the Future of Biosensing
At Fluorescent Life Technologies, we are bridging the gap between molecular tools and everyday utility. By embedding biosensing capabilities into living systems, we enable fast, visual, and scalable solutions for environmental monitoring. Our gene circuits don’t just fluoresce — they illuminate opportunities for cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and smarter agriculture.
Support Innovation at the Source
Support Innovation at the Source
Help us accelerate the development of living biosensors that address real-world environmental challenges. Your contribution supports synthetic biology research, prototyping, and field testing of tools that can transform how we monitor water quality, agriculture, and ecosystem health.
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