At Creative Biolabs, we are a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in advanced microbial engineering, with a particular focus on Probiotic Genetic Modification. We empower researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and innovative food/nutraceutical developers to unlock the full potential of beneficial microorganisms, transforming them into powerful tools for health and industry. Our cutting-edge expertise in synthetic biology and genome editing allows us to custom-engineer probiotics, addressing limitations of traditional strains and paving the way for next-generation biotherapeutics. Request a quote
Overview: The Power of Genetically Engineered Probiotics
Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host, have garnered significant attention for their roles in gut health, immunity, and disease prevention. While naturally occurring probiotics offer numerous advantages, genetic modification allows for the precise engineering of these beneficial bacteria to optimize their therapeutic potential, improve their resilience, or enable novel functions. Our Probiotic Genetic Modification Services focus on introducing, removing, or altering specific genes within probiotic strains. This allows for:
-
Enhanced Functionality: Improving probiotic survival, adhesion, colonization, or metabolite production.
-
Novel Therapeutic Applications: Engineering probiotics to deliver specific therapeutic molecules (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, vaccines).
-
Improved Manufacturing & Stability: Increasing strain robustness for industrial production and storage.
-
Precise Disease Targeting: Developing "smart" probiotics that respond to specific disease markers.
Precision Probiotic Genetic Modification Services: Tailored Solutions for Your Probiotic Research
Our comprehensive suite of genetic modification services is designed to meet diverse research and development needs. We offer both standard and customized approaches, ensuring precise control over the genetic makeup of your probiotic strains.
Workflow
Service Details
Service Types
Strains
Samples
Deliverables
Turnaround Time
Service Types
-
Gene Knockout / Gene Deletion Services: Primarily utilizes gene editing, homologous recombination, and marker-less gene deletion strategies.
-
Gene Insertion / Gene Integration Services: Employs site-specific recombination, homologous recombination, and transposon-mediated integration, often facilitated by gene editing for targeted insertion.
-
Recombinant Expression Services (Plasmid-based): Utilizes a wide range of shuttle vectors, expression plasmids (inducible and constitutive promoters), and optimization of codon usage for high-level protein production.
Candidate Probiotic Strains
Sample Information & Submission
To initiate a project, please provide the following information and materials:
-
Probiotic Strain(s)
-
You can start with the strains within our laboratory. Please confirm this during the project consultation.
-
You can also provide your strain:
-
Pure cultures (e.g., frozen glycerol stocks, lyophilized cultures) of the specific probiotic strain(s) you wish to modify.
-
Purity: Ensure the strain is pure and free from contamination.
-
Identification: Provide detailed identification (e.g., species, strain designation, source).
-
Safety Data: Any known biosafety level (BSL) information.
-
Target Gene Information
-
Gene name, accession numbers, and complete sequence (if available).
-
Desired modification (e.g., knockout, insertion, overexpression).
-
Any specific functional requirements or desired outcomes.
-
Background Information
Relevant publications, previous research data, or any specific challenges encountered with the strain.
Deliverables
Upon project completion, you will receive a comprehensive package tailored to your specific service request:
|
Deliverable Components
|
Content Specifications
|
|
Genetically Modified Probiotic Strain(s)
|
High-quality, verified culture(s) of your modified probiotic strain(s) (typically as frozen glycerol stocks).
|
|
Detailed Project Report
|
-
Experimental design and methodology.
-
Raw data and analysis from all verification steps (e.g., sequencing chromatograms, gel images, qPCR results).
-
Confirmation of successful modification and characterization of the modified strain(s).
|
Turnaround Time
Turnaround times are project-dependent and vary based on the complexity of the genetic modification, the tractability of the probiotic strain, and the scope of verification required.
-
Standard Gene Knockout/Insertion (Common Strains): Typically 4-8 weeks.
-
Recombinant Expression (Plasmid-based): Approximately 4-8 weeks.
-
Complex Modifications & Novel Strains: 10-20+ weeks, requiring initial feasibility studies.
We will provide a detailed timeline in your custom project proposal after the initial consultation.
Contact Us Today for a Quote
Advantages of Partnering with Creative Biolabs
Expertise in Probiotic Biology
Deep understanding of diverse probiotic strains, their unique genetic characteristics, and optimal manipulation strategies.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Access to advanced gene editing tools, high-throughput screening platforms, and state-of-the-art molecular biology facilities.
Customized Solutions
Tailored experimental design and execution to meet your specific research objectives and address the unique challenges of each probiotic strain.
Comprehensive Verification
Rigorous molecular and, where applicable, phenotypic validation to ensure the accuracy and stability of genetic modifications.
Confidentiality & IP Protection
Strict adherence to confidentiality agreements and robust intellectual property protection measures.
Dedicated Scientific Support
Direct communication with our experienced scientific team throughout the project lifecycle.
Problem-Solving Approach
Our team is adept at overcoming technical hurdles associated with genetic modification in challenging probiotic species.
Applications of Genetically Modified Probiotics
Pharmaceuticals
-
Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs): Developing "living drugs" for targeted delivery of therapeutic proteins (e.g., anti-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes for metabolic disorders).
-
Vaccine Delivery Systems: Engineering probiotics to express vaccine antigens for mucosal immunization.
-
Disease Diagnostics: Creating biosensors that detect specific biomarkers in the gut and report on disease states.
-
Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions: Engineering probiotics to produce antimicrobial peptides or degrade antibiotic resistance genes.
Food & Beverage
-
Enhanced Probiotic Foods: Improving the survival, colonization, and health benefits of probiotic strains in fermented foods and supplements.
-
Nutraceutical Production: Engineering probiotics to produce specific vitamins, prebiotics, or other health-promoting compounds in situ.
-
Food Safety: Developing probiotics that detect or neutralize foodborne pathogens.
Biotechnology & Research
-
Fundamental Research: Elucidating gene function and metabolic pathways in probiotic bacteria.
-
Strain Development: Creating novel probiotic chassis strains for diverse applications.
-
Bioremediation: Engineering probiotics to degrade pollutants.
Mechanism of Action: How Genetic Modification Transforms Probiotics
Genetic modification of probiotics involves the precise manipulation of their genomic material. This can be achieved through various molecular biology techniques, including:
-
Recombinant DNA Technology: Introducing foreign DNA sequences (e.g., genes for novel proteins) into the probiotic genome or as plasmids.
-
Gene Editing: Precisely excising, inserting, or modifying specific DNA sequences within the probiotic's native genome.
-
Directed Evolution: Applying selective pressure to drive desired genetic changes over multiple generations.
-
Mutagenesis: Inducing random or targeted mutations to alter gene function.
These methods enable us to:
-
Overexpress beneficial genes: Leading to increased production of desired compounds.
-
Knock out undesirable genes: Eliminating metabolic pathways that produce unwanted byproducts or interfere with probiotic function.
-
Insert new genes: Introducing novel traits, such as the ability to synthesize therapeutic proteins or degrade specific toxins.
-
Modify regulatory elements: Fine-tuning gene expression for optimal performance under specific conditions.
Ready to transform your probiotic research and development? Contact our experts today to discuss your project and receive a customized quote. Let Creative Biolabs be your partner in unlocking the full potential of genetically modified probiotics.
FAQs
What types of probiotic strains can you modify?
We have expertise in modifying a wide range of probiotic genera, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Bacillus, and others. The amenability of a specific strain to genetic modification can vary, and we will conduct a feasibility assessment during the initial consultation.
Do you offer services for optimizing the expression of foreign genes in probiotics?
Yes, we offer comprehensive services for optimizing gene expression, including codon optimization, promoter engine ering, ribosome binding site (RBS) optimization, and vector design to ensure high-level and stable expression of your target gene.
How do you ensure the safety and stability of the modified strains?
We employ rigorous molecular verification techniques (sequencing, PCR) to confirm the genetic integrity of the modified strains. For stability, we can perform long-term growth studies and re-sequencing to ensure the genetic modification is stable over multiple generations. We also offer services for incorporating biosafety features.
What if my target probiotic strain is difficult to transform?
We specialize in developing customized transformation protocols for challenging strains. Our team has extensive experience with various techniques (e.g., electroporation, conjugation) and can conduct preliminary optimization studies to improve transformation efficiency.
