Development of a flow-through detector for monitoring genotoxic compounds by quantifying the expression of green fluorescent protein in genetically modified yeast cells

A Bow-through detector has been developed for quantifying green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in genetically modified yeast cells upon exposure to a genotoxic compound. The detector forms the basis of a prototype semi-automated bioassay for genotoxic compounds, by biological fluorescence induction and detection. The selection and optimization of the various optical components of the system are discussed. The complete system was successfully tested with a known DNA damaging agent, and was able to monitor the expression of GFP on-line, in situ and in real time.