Given the vastness of this challenge, accurate detection of PFAS in soil, water and crops is key to understanding how PFAS spreads through food webs, what influences their spread, and how effective mitigation strategies are in preventing PFAS from accumulating in food and crops. Using a combined directed evolution and design approach, we developed a series of protein-based biosensors for detection of PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, which are among 3 of the most commonly found PFAS compounds in the environment. We extended this approach to design and validate a genetically-encoded biosensor capable of detection in whole-cell format, which enables rapid, cost-effective detection in complex mixtures such as food as well as agricultural water samples with minimal sample pre-processing. We validated the use of these biosensors in field studies, and demonstrated good agreement between our measured results and LC/MS-MS results.
Currently, we are using these biosensors in combination with phytoremediation and other strategies to develop a comprehensive approach to mitigating PFAS on-farm. Biofilm and modifications of the cell wall are some of the natural defense mechanisms of pathogens that contribute to antimicrobial resistance, pose a threat to pre- and post-harvest agriculture, and contribute to foodborne illness. We developed and applied engineered enzymes that disrupt biofilms as targeted tools to enhance detection and removal of foodborne pathogens. In one application, we developed enzymes capable of releasing Listeria monocytogenes from ready-to-eat meat products, enhancing detection of biofilm-embedded pathogens by overcoming false negative results from conventional tests, and extended this approach to implement effective antimicrobial strategies to eliminate L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli and other pathogens from food. This work have led to the launch of Lytos Technologies, an early-stage company providing unique solutions to enhance food safety and quality.
Speaker biography: Dr. Bryan Berger is currently a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Virginia. He received his BS in chemical engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, his PhD in chemical engineering from University of Delaware, and was a NIH post-doctoral fellow in biochemistry & biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania. His work has been recognized by UVA with the 2022 all-university Office of Research Award for Public Impact Research and 2025 SEAS Innovation of the Year. Research in his lab has been featured in major news outlets such as the New York Times and he serves as an associate editor for Frontiers in Synthetic Biology. Dr. Berger is also founder and CSO of Lytos Technologies, which develops novel biosolutions to address major challenges in human and planetary health.