2012/02/06 by Josef Trögl, Archana Chauhan, Steven Ripp +3 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #bioluminescence and chemiluminescence research #Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing #Cell Image Analysis Techniques
paper · pdf · doi:10.3390/s120201544
openalex publication_date 2012/02/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Initially described in 1990, Pseudomonas fluorescens HK44 served as the first whole-cell bioreporter genetically endowed with a bioluminescent (luxCDABE) phenotype directly linked to a catabolic (naphthalene degradative) pathway. HK44 was the first genetically engineered microorganism to be released in the field to monitor bioremediation potential. Subsequent to that release, strain HK44 had been introduced into other solids (soils, sands), liquid (water, wastewater), and volatile environments. In these matrices, it has functioned as one of the best characterized chemically-responsive environmental bioreporters and as a model organism for understanding bacterial colonization and transport, cell immobilization strategies, and the kinetics of cellular bioluminescent emission. This review summarizes the characteristics of P. fluorescens HK44 and the extensive range of its applications with special focus on the monitoring of bioremediation processes and biosensing of environmental pollution.