Biosensor-enabled pathway optimization in metabolic engineering

Microbes can convert inexpensive renewable substrates to valuable metabolites by their natural metabolic pathways. To maximize the productivity, the pathways yet require further optimization, which remains challenging for our limited knowledge of complex biology. Genetically encoded biosensors are able to detect metabolite concentrations or environmental changes and transfer these inputs to measurable or actionable outputs, thus providing enabling regulation and monitoring tools for complicated pathway optimization. Here, we review recent advances in biosensor-mediated dynamic regulation and strain screening for the highest microbial production of diverse desirable products.