Gene fusions were constructed by the transcriptional fusion of the dnaK promoter of pseudomonas sp. DJ-12 or E. coli to the lux or luc marker gene. The dnaKp-DJ::luxCDABE bioluminescent fusion in the biosensor using the Pseudomonas sp. DJ-12 dnaK promoter exhibited about 5-fold more extensive response to ethanol than that of dnaKp-EC::luxCDABE. The bioluminescent response of the dnaK-DJ::luc fusion to ethanol was much weaker than those of the other fusions. The biosensor harboring the dnaKp-DJ::luCDABE fusion was examined for its bioluminescence production based on exposure to aromatic compounds, such as biphenyl, 4-chlorobiphenyl (4CB), 4-hydroxybenzoate (4HBA), and catechol. In particular, the bioluminescence produced by the dnaKp-DJ::luxCDABE fusion was most sensitive to 1 mM biphenyl and 4CB when exposed for 80 min, and the responses were also very strong to other aromatics. Therefore, the biosensor bearing the dnaKp-DJ::luxCDABE fusion would appear to be the most useful for the detection of aromatics and other pollutants.