A research team at the University of Maryland has developed bacteria that produce disease-resistant materials and safeguard the diseased parts of the body.
The ‘bacterial dirigibles’ can treat anything from food poisoning to cancer. The discovery is being displayed at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society.
Post doctoral student William E. Bentley said genetic engineering monitor the bacteria to develop antibiotics, insulin, and such other curative substances. The bacteria breed in nutrient solutions in stainless steel barrels. The antibiotics or insulin is then used in humans. The redesigned bacteria resemble blimps and zeppelins.
The bacterial dirigible is a derivative of E. coli that the team fabricated at the University of Maryland in College Park. Bentley is Robert E. Fischell Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Fischell Department of Bioengineering.
A genetic circuit equips E. coli with targeting, sensing and switching features. The cell thus created is a bacterial dirigible that transfers or uses 'cargo'. The targeting molecule on the outside can identify specific cells and bind to them. A gene in the bacteria acts as the nanofactory, utilizing the natural cellular ability to produce antibodies to fight infections, viruses, and cancer. The nanofactory also emitted chemical signals that triggered cells on the inner wall of body organs to synthesize natural antibodies, like immunoglobulins that are proteins,the immune system uses to track and destroy viruses. Bacterial dirigibles could be injected into the bloodstream or a tumor.
Source: http://www.umd.edu/