The novel heavy metal biosensor Met-lead developed by our team was based the strategy of getting FRET reaction signals. We adapted the Pb binding property of sensing component into the FRET pair module to construct a genetically-encoded biosensor. Such nano-scale biosensor with high sensitivity can detect the existence of Pb. We further optimized Met-lead by tune the sensitivity down to 10nM, 0.2μg/dL, 2ppb to fit for the related regulations: the safety value of blood lead level for children 3μg/dL or WHO-permitted level for tap water 10ppb. Thus, the future applications of Met-lead can be expanded from blood/urine detection to drinking water/environmental irrigation water monitoring. On the practical applications, we adapted the smart-phone with portable device to get the FRET signals on-site area. In this way, the portable Met-lead can fulfill the needs of both living water diagnosis and environmental detection, a warning system to prevent further contamination from Pb.

The evaluation of Pb exposure is taking blood from person or sampling water from source. The inspectors with training to operate precision instruments using strong acid and base agents under risk of occupational injury. The procedure takes long time. Met-lead with device with significant breakthrough 10nM sensitivity and dynamic range near 5-fold. Met-lead conclusively pushes applicable ranges from in-cell sensing to environmental detection. Met-lead equipped with smart-phone device direct exam testing samples without complicate procedure or hazard reagents from drinking water or environment.

The Met-lead related products are with the ability to detect Pb either from blood/urine or water for drinking or irrigation. The portable smart-phone FRET-based Met-lead device can further help general population to do the Pb tests freely without going to the hospital or company waiting for a long time to get the results. in addition, the transgenic plant expressing Met-lead can be used for AI farm as a kind of environmental test paper for monitoring the irrigation water control. Thus, the market is relatively large once the Met-lead product can be popularized.

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