Cell-free protein synthesis represents a promising avenue for developing next-generation diagnostics. Researchers at the Center for Structural Biology in Montpellier and the Michalis Institute in Jouy-en-Josas recently expanded the potential of these 'cell-free biosensors' by combining transcription factor-based detection with metabolic engineering. The synthetic biosensors are capable of detecting benzoic acid in commercial beverages and hippuric acid and cocaine in human urine. These results have been published in the journal Nature Communications along with a 'Behind the Scenes' article for the Nature Bioengineering Community.
