SPP 2451 - Subproject: Adaptive Engineered Bacterial Coacervates

Basic data for this project

Description

The main objective of this proposal is the development of engineered bacterial coacervates (EBCs) as a novel hybrid material with adaptive properties. In this work, we propose the establishment of EBCs as innovative platforms for microbial biotechnology in which the functionality of bacteria is improved by their interaction with coacervates. On one hand, the coacervates will function as membrane-less cages for localizing bacteria in a confined space, allowing a controlled uptake and release of metabolites. On the other hand, the encapsulated engineered living bacteria will provide the protocells with unique ´on demand´ properties that can be finely tuned by genetic engineering. Towards this aim, the research proposal is divided into three main objectives. First, we aim to establish a toolbox of EBCs with different bacteria. In particular, we will investigate the encapsulation of biotechnologically relevant bacteria in coacervates, the viability and the metabolic activity of embedded bacteria, as well as the stabilization and resistance of EBCs over time and in different conditions. Secondly, we aim to study the interaction of EBCs with the surrounding environment and their adaptive behavior. More precisely, metabolically active EBCs will be tested for specific induction of selected bacterial activities inside the coacervates, thus leading to the manipulation of EBC functionality via external stimuli. Moreover, the interaction between different metabolically active EBCs will be assessed. In this respect, we will study whether bacteria in individual coacervates can exchange metabolites or signal molecules with bacteria in other coacervates. Finally, we aim to investigate the mutual interaction of bacteria and coacervates within the EBCs. In particular, we will study whether the artificial gathering of bacteria in a defined space offers the same protective properties against adverse conditions as the formation of biofilm would offer. At the same time, we will evaluate the role of biofilm formation in the coacervates and the effect on the coacervates' stability. Overall, we will achieve an adaptive and auto-regulatory behavior of EBCs, in which coacervates and bacteria can influence each other properties, based on external stimuli. We envision to test the applicability of EBCs for several processes such as fermentation or treatment of toxic wastewater.