International projects
New biosensors for improved detection of environmental contamination by anticholinesterase pesticides
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
02132 |
PhD Miha Žargi |
Oncology |
Head |
2000 - 2004 |
392 |
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0510 |
University of Ljubljana |
Ljubljana |
5085063 |
250 |
Abstract
Excessive use of pesticides in Europe has led to serious contamination of soil and water and presents growing threat to human and animal health. We propose to improve the sensitivity of biosensors used both for detecting incidental or chronic environmental contamination by ant cholinesterase pesticides and/or monitoring the efficiency of remediation of polluted sites. The enzyme acetyl cholinesterase is the target of organophosphates and carbonates, two major pesticides currently used in agriculture. We will employ a 'state-of-the-art' approach, utilizing X-ray crystallography, structure analysis, site-directed autogenesis and large-scale production, using suitable expression systems. This will enable us to produce new bio engineered targets both more sensitive to and more selective for pesticides of interest, and also possess creased stability. This will permit us to provide our industrial partner with deliverables suitable for production of novel biosensors possessing the specificity and shelf life required for manufacturing field kits.
