Whole-cell biosensors are a good alternative to enzyme-based biosensors since they offer the benefits of low cost and improved stability. In recent years, live cells have been employed as biosensors for a wide range of targets. In this review, we will focus on the use of microorganisms that are genetically modified with the desirable outputs in order to improve the biosensor performance. Different methodologies based on genetic/protein engineering and synthetic biology to construct microorganisms with the required signal outputs, sensitivity, and selectivity will be discussed.

For the first time, artificial cellulosome structures were created on DNA scaffolds based on zinc finger protein (ZFP)-guided assembly. These resulting two-component cellulosome structures exhibited enhancement in cellulose hydrolysis compared to the non-complexed mixture depending on the number of CBMs and cellulases assembled.