Biosensing bacteria for organ-specific targeting
This technology describes a method for programming bacteria to selectively grow in organ-specific microenvironmental conditions for diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical applications.
Unmet Need: Precision-targeted microorganisms for diagnostics and therapeutics
Advances in synthetic biology have enabled the engineering of microbes for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Bacteria can be programmed to target organs and tumors in the body for the site-specific release of therapeutics and other agents. However, microbial treatments introduce a potential risk if the bacteria colonize outside of the targeted area. As such, there remains a need for precise, tissue-specific targeting of bacteria for biomedical applications.
The Technology: Multiplexed biosensing pathways for organotropic bacterial growth
This technology describes a method for programming bacterial strains to be sensitive to multiple environmental factors. Through harnessing of biosensing pathways for oxygen, pH, and lactate levels the surroundings, the bacteria are programmed to selectively colonize in precise physiological microenvironments. In vivo data demonstrates selective colonization in the gastrointestinal tract of a mouse model. As such, this technology holds the potential to increase the safety, efficacy, and precision of bacterial treatments for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Applications:
- Therapies for cancer and inflammatory conditions
- Disease diagnostics
- Environmental biosensing
- Industrial bioproduction
Advantages:
- Low off-target colonization rates for improved safety
- Multiplexed sensory integration
- Utilizes versatile platform for bacterial engineering
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU20093
Licensing Contact: Beth Kauderer