Repurposing the Sb(III)-specific efflux and sequestration system (ant operon) to mitigate antimonite cross-talk in ArsR-based bacterial arsenite sensors

BACKGROUND: ArsR-based whole-cell biosensors offer sensitive colorimetric detection of arsenite [As(III)], yet their broad reactivity toward Group 15 metalloids-especially antimonite [Sb(III)]-limits field specificity. The recently identified ant operon from Comamonas testosteroni JL40 confers Sb(III)-selective resistance via the efflux ATPase AntA, the metallochaperone AntC, and the regulator AntR, providing genetic parts to suppress Sb(III) cross-talk. RESULTS: We systematically introduced antA, antC, and three antR homologs into an ArsR regulator coupled with a deoxyviolacein reporter chassis (pJ23119-K12). Co-expression of AntA and AntC under a moderate constitutive promoter (PceuR) shifted the Sb(III) limit of detection (LOD) from 0.073 µM to 0.586 µM, with a modest increase in the As(III) LOD to 0.018 µM. Subsequent integration of AntR1 not only maintained the As(III) LOD at 0.018 µM but also unexpectedly amplified the As(III) signal, extending the linear range to 36 nM-37.5 µM (R² = 0.991). It suggests that AntR1 may modulate the transcriptional circuitry via cross-regulation, warranting further mechanistic inquiry. The modified biosensor TOP10/pJ23119-antACR1 exhibited high selectivity for As(III) over divalent metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mg) and tolerated Sb(III) up to 1 µM. Performance was retained in 90% freshwater and 50% seawater matrices, enabling accurate quantification of 0-2.5 µM As(III) in deionized, tap, surface, and marine samples. CONCLUSION: By coupling Sb(III)-specific ant efflux/sequestration components with an ArsR-based sensing module, we developed a portable, low-cost biosensor that overcomes longstanding As(III)/Sb(III) cross-reactivity and performs robustly in complex environmental waters.