Recombinant Expression of Metal-Binding Proteins (Bacterioferritin, MBP, Metallothionein, and OprF) and Pesticide-Binding Proteins (LC-Cutinase and OpdA) in Escherichia coli for Detection of Agricultural Contaminants

We consume fruits and vegetables every day without knowing whether or not agricultural residues (i.e. pesticides & heavy metals) are present on them. Current methods of agricultural residue detection are not easily accessible to the public and are inconvenient for everyday use. Thus, we want to develop a convenient visualization of agricultural residues by designing metal-binding and pesticide-binding proteins along with colored proteins that can directly interact with these residues. We worked with metal-binding proteins including Bacterioferritin, MBP, Metallothionein, and OprF. We also utilized pesticide-binding proteins LC Cutinase and OpdA. In this paper, we envision a system in which our residue-binding proteins are fused with chromoproteins to allow for the visible detection of agricultural residues on produce. Our final product can be used by consumers, distributors and farmers alike.