Encapsulation of Luminous RecombinantE. coli in Sol-Gel Silicate Films

Long-term immobilization of recombinant luminous bacteria in transparent sol–gel derived silicate films is reported by these authors. Aspects such as the light response of the encapsulated bacteria after exposure to various luminescence inducers at different doses and the evolution of luminescence during the gelation process are examined. Based on these experiments it is concluded that the recombinant bacteria has a high biocompatibility with sol–gel derived silicate gels. Sensing of encapsulation-induced physiological stress will help devise synthesis procedures that will minimize cell inactivation during immobilization.