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:

Tal Danino, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

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