LTMs capable of on-demand drug delivery

A unique advantage of biofactories is the possibility to integrate sensors and switches for on-demand therapeutic release. The synthetic biology expertise in this topic is provided to the LSC by the Independent Junior Group of Dr. Shrikrishnan Sankaran. The group has engineered switches for light- and heat-responsive bacterial activity in ClearColi and probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 strains. Controlled release of the antibiotic darobactin, a pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mimetic protein and the flavonoid pinocembrin has been achieved in living hydrogels. Novel genetic parts for the probiotic L. plantarum, for which the genetic toolbox is underdeveloped, have also been engineered, including heat- and sugar-responsive gene expression systems. These results have led to a patent application. Thermoplasmonic hydrogel composites were used to encapsulate E. coli and demonstrate NIR-regulated protein production. These examples demonstrate the flexibility of LTMs for controlled delivery using different external triggers.