Design and Implementation of a Blue-Light-Controlled Gene-Switch System.
Abstract:
Synthetic biology seeks to build predictable, programmable biological systems. We developed a blue-light-inducible T7RNAP system with dual-input regulation to enable precise spatiotemporal gene control, which is vital for biomanufacturing, therapy, and microbial engineering. We optimized it by replacing RBS sequences, testing tandem T7 promoters, and evaluating split-T7RNAP variants. Expression and bactericidal efficacy were assessed via fluorescent output and real-time growth curves under blue light. RBS variants caused up to 50-fold differences in expression. Three tandem T7 promoters provided the best balance between yield and fidelity. Integration of a benzoate-responsive module enabled 4.5-fold repression at 3 mM benzoate, demonstrating effective chemical off-switching without compromising light induction. This system combines blue light precision with environmental responsiveness, offering non-invasive, on-demand activation for antimicrobial therapy or spatial bioproduction. The benzoate-triggered off-switch is especially valuable for ecological applications such as biocontainment or bioremediation, where gene expression must shut down upon detection of pollutants, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons. Its orthogonal, modular design supports context-dependent control, making it ideal for environmental biosensors, programmable probiotics, and smart antimicrobial delivery in complex ecosystems.
