Cyborg cells – that’s what researchers from the University of California, Davis call their latest discovery. Scientists modified E. coli bacteria cells so that they stopped multiplying, but at the same time they were resistant to various external factors. In their opinion, they can now be used to fight other pathogens and diseases.
Biotechnologists have created partly artificial, partly synthetic bacterial cells. In one of the experiments, they showed that they can attack cancer cells.
In the scientific journal “Advanced Science”, scientists from the University of California, Davis described the bacteria they created, which they called cyborg cells. They are partly natural and partly synthetic.
Synthetic hydrogel
Inside the bacteria E. coli researchers introduced a synthetic hydrogel, which, contrary to previous expectations, did not kill the microbes, but changed them significantly.
Bacteria stopped multiplying, but carried out other vital functions properly. At the same time, they have become much more resistant to various external factors that destroy natural bacteria. They are also resistant to antibiotics, high pH and hydrogen peroxide. This means that they can potentially be used for a variety of tasks.
E. coli bacteriaShutterstock
To fight other pathogens
According to the scientists, resistant cyborg bacteria could be used as biosensors, as well as to destroy other dangerous bacteria. Laboratory tests have also shown that they can attack cancer cells.
“We are excited about the potential applications of cyborg cells in dealing with environmental challenges, diagnosing and treating diseases, and modulating disrupted microbiota,” says Prof. Cheemeng Tan, co-author of the invention.
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