EncaBcillus – It’s a trap!

Synthetic biology wants to go beyond the pure biological by integrating concepts from chemistry or physics into the living world. At this interphase, our project wants to introduce Peptidosomes as a new fundamental approach for generating and applying encapsulated bacteria. These spheres possess advantageous properties like stability in different media and a mesh-like structure that allows for the selective exchange of compounds via diffusion. Therefore, we are able to benefit from the entrapped cells’ abilities, while ensuring that they are not released into their surroundings. Using the powerful genetics of Bacillus subtilis and its secretory capabilities we demonstrate communication and cooperation between separately encapsulated bacterial populations as well as the environment. Peptidosomes can be further enhanced by incorporating magnetic or biological beads – which can be functionalized with proteins – into their peptide-based shell. With this unique setup, we provide a whole new universe of applications to the iGEM community.

Bacillus subtilis – Gram-positive model organism

B. subtilis is the best-studied Gram-positive microorganisms, and a model bacterium studying bacterial differentiation (e.g. endospore formation) and phenotypic heterogeneity. Its ability to become naturally competent makes B. subtilis an organism with easily tractable genetics. The GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status and secretory capacity made B. subtilis a preferred host of choice for big scale production of secreted proteins, such as lipases, proteases and amylases, highlighting the industrial relevance of this bacterium.

In addition, the iGEM Team LMU-Munich 2012 has constructed the Bacillus BioBrickBox, which contains several well evaluated integrative and replicative vectors and other parts for the use in B. subtilis, thus providing a powerful toolbox to engineer B. subtilis.