(388b) Rapid Biosensing of Endocrine Disruptors with Cell-Free Protein Synthesis

Human growth, development, and reproductive ability is monitored and controlled by the human endocrine system. Disrupting the balance and control of the endocrine system is linked to reduced IQ, cancer, reproductive challenges, and growth disorders and younger children are especially susceptible. This has led to growing concern over the ubiquitous presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) and their effect on humans and animals. A recent study estimated that exposure to EDCs costs the U.S. $340 billion USD each year. This concern has catalyzed biosensor development to detect and study the mechanisms of these chemicals. Although progress has been made, available biosensors remain expensive and time consuming. Here we report a rapid, versatile cell-free protein synthesis platform for biosensing endocrine disrupting chemicals. This technology has the ability to produce a near real-time signal. We also report the robustness of cell free system in combination with a “just-add-sample” technique to detect endocrine disrupting compounds in environmental and biological samples. Finally, we report engineering the biosensor for improved sensitivity in human samples of blood and urine.