EngineeringE. colifor magnetic control and the spatial localization of functions

Abstract

The fast-developing field of synthetic biology enables broad applications of programmed microorganisms including the development of whole-cell biosensors, delivery vehicles for therapeutics, or diagnostic agents. However, the lack of spatial control required for localizing microbial functions could limit their use and induce their dilution leading to ineffective action or dissemination. To overcome this limitation, the integration of magnetic properties into living systems enables a contact-less and orthogonal method for spatiotemporal control. Here, we generated a magnetic-sensing Escherichia coli by driving the formation of iron-rich bodies into bacteria. We found that these bacteria could be spatially controlled by magnetic forces and sustained cell growth and division, by transmitting asymmetrically their magnetic properties to one daughter cell. We combined the spatial control of bacteria with genetically encoded-adhesion properties to achieve the magnetic capture of specific target bacteria as well as the spatial modulation of human cell invasions.

Magnetic torque–driven living microrobots for increased tumor infiltration

“…Combining this control strategy for increased infiltration of bacterial microrobots with therapeutic delivery could potentially be a powerful tool for improving the efficacy of bacteria-mediated therapy. Imparting magnetic responsiveness to more commonly used bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli ( 58 ), is of increasing interest in the field of bacterial cancer therapy. This approach could allow for more effective use of such strains, improving both safety and efficacy.…”

Medical Micro/Nanorobots in Precision Medicine

“…[126][127][128][129][130][131] More recently, advances in synthetic biology have made possible the ability to enhance the capabilities of the motile microorganism without the use of artificial components. For example, genetically engineered bacteria have been programmed to generate diverse active components, such as magnetic particles, [132,133] gas-filled microstructures, [134,135] therapeutic payloads, [136] or responsive probes. [137] In a nutshell, locally powered microrobots have built-in energy conversion on their active surfaces or exploited the autonomous motility of microorganisms.…”

Engineering microrobots for targeted cancer therapies from a medical perspective

“…Indeed, in a recent landmark study, magnetic guidance led to significantly enhanced tumour accumulation of peritumourally injected MC-1-based hybrid microrobots in living mice compared to non-guided MC-1 bacteria 87 . Recently, magnetic particles have also been produced in Escherichia coli, extending this approach to a model system with a wide range of synthetic biology tools available 113 . Also, photocatalytic reactions can be used for actuation and external guidance mechanisms (Fig.…”