Metabolically engineered methylotrophic yeast cells and enzymes as sensor biorecognition elements

An extended definition of the term metabolic engineering is given and its successful use in the construction of biorecognition elements of sensors is demonstrated. It is shown that genetic and chemical modifications of methylotrophic yeast cells provide directed changes in their physiological responses towards methanol, ethanol and formaldehyde resulting in enhanced selectivity and shorter time response of the corresponding potentiometric and amperometric biosensors.