Welcome to Creative Biolabs, your premier partner in cutting-edge microbial engineering. We are excited to introduce our comprehensive Probiotic Surface Display Services, designed to empower your research and development with innovative solutions for enhanced probiotic function, targeted delivery, and novel therapeutic applications. Our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and food and supplement industries, providing a powerful platform to explore the full potential of probiotics. Request a quote
Overview of Our Engineered Probiotic Services
Probiotic surface display is a revolutionary technology that enables the presentation of foreign proteins, peptides, or antigens on the outer surface of probiotic microorganisms. This offers a versatile platform for a myriad of applications, from developing live vaccines and targeted drug delivery systems to creating novel biosensors and enhancing the functional properties of probiotics. At Creative Biolabs, we leverage state-of-the-art genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques to engineer probiotics with customized surface display capabilities, providing you with a powerful tool for your research and product development.
Our Comprehensive Probiotic Surface Display Services
Our comprehensive Probiotic Surface Display Services encompass every stage of your project, from initial concept to final deliverable. We offer flexible solutions, allowing you to choose individual services or opt for a complete, integrated workflow.
Workflow
Service Details
Strains
Target Protein
Anchor Protein
Protein Expression
Downstream Services
Samples
Deliverables
Turnaround Time
1. Probiotic Strain Selection and Optimization
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Strain Consultation: Expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate probiotic host strain based on your application.
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Species
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Common strains
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Lactobacillus species
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Lactococcus species
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Lactococcus lactis is a popular choice.
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Bifidobacterium species
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While often more challenging to genetically modify than Lactobacilli, they are crucial components of the gut microbiota and are increasingly explored.
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Bacillus species
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Bacillus subtilis is frequently used, particularly for its ability to form spores, which offers excellent stability and allows for robust display systems.
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Bacillus thuringiensis is also mentioned in some aquaculture applications.
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Yeasts
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae: This is a well-characterized and safe eukaryotic microorganism, making it an attractive platform for displaying complex proteins and even for vaccine development.
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Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN)
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This is a non-pathogenic, commensal E. coli strain with well-documented probiotic properties and is also used as a host for surface display, especially in contexts where its robust growth and genetic tools are advantageous.
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Strain Engineering Feasibility Assessment: Evaluation of the genetic tractability and stability of selected strains for surface display.
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Proprietary Strain Development: If needed, development of novel probiotic strains with enhanced characteristics for surface display.
2. Target Gene/Antigen Design and Synthesis
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Sequence Optimization: Codon optimization for high expression in the chosen probiotic host.
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Gene Synthesis: De novo synthesis of target genes encoding proteins, peptides, or antigens.
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Epitope Mapping and Design: Identification and design of specific antigenic epitopes for vaccine development.
3. Surface Anchor Protein Selection
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Extensive Library of Anchoring Motifs: Access to a diverse range of validated surface anchoring motifs (e.g., LPXTG sortase motifs, S-layer proteins, peptidoglycan-binding domains, OMPs).
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Custom Vector Design: Design and construction of expression vectors tailored for optimal surface display in your chosen probiotic strain.
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Reporter Gene Integration: Inclusion of reporter genes (e.g., GFP, mCherry) for visual confirmation of successful display.
4. Protein Expression and Characterization
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Immunofluorescence Microscopy: Visual confirmation of surface display using specific antibodies.
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Flow Cytometry: Quantitative assessment of display efficiency and uniformity across the bacterial population.
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Western Blotting: Detection and size verification of the fusion protein.
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Microscopy (SEM/TEM): Visualization of surface-displayed proteins and morphological changes in engineered probiotics.
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Proteomic Analysis (Optional): Advanced mass spectrometry-based methods for comprehensive characterization of displayed proteins.
5. Downstream Processing and Formulation
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Scale-Up and Fermentation (Pilot Scale): Development of protocols for the efficient growth and production of engineered probiotics. Pilot-scale fermentation for producing sufficient quantities of engineered probiotics for downstream applications.
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Formulation Development: Guidance on suitable formulations (e.g., lyophilization, encapsulation) to maintain viability and functionality for your target application.
Sample Information Required
To initiate your project, please provide the following information:
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Target Protein/Peptide/Antigen
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Amino acid sequence and/or nucleotide sequence (if available).
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Information on known functions, desired orientation, or specific epitopes.
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Any specific structural considerations.
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Desired Probiotic Host Strain
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If you have a specific strain in mind, please provide details. Otherwise, we can recommend suitable options.
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Information on availability or need for acquisition.
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Intended Application
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Brief description of the end goal (e.g., vaccine development, drug delivery, enzyme delivery, biosensor).
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Specific Requirements
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Any specific assays or characterization methods required.
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Desired quantity of engineered probiotic.
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Any intellectual property considerations.
Deliverables
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Deliverable Components
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Content Specifications
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Comprehensive Project Report
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Detailed experimental procedures, methodologies, and raw data.
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Results of all characterization assays (immunofluorescence images, flow cytometry plots, Western blot data).
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Full sequencing data of the expression construct.
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Engineered Probiotic Strains
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Cryopreserved aliquots of the successfully engineered and characterized probiotic strain.
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Turnaround Time
Typical turnaround times range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project, the specific probiotic strain chosen, the nature of the target protein, and the extent of characterization required. We will provide a detailed timeline in our project proposal after an initial consultation. Expedited services may be available upon request.
Contact Us Today for a Quote
Advantages of Partnering with Creative Biolabs
Expertise and Experience
Our team comprises highly skilled molecular biologists, microbiologists, and genetic engineers with extensive experience in probiotic engineering and surface display technologies.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We utilize advanced laboratories equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation for genetic manipulation, protein analysis, and microbial cultivation.
Customized Solutions
We offer highly flexible and customized service packages tailored to your specific research objectives and budget.
Comprehensive Workflow
From initial design to final characterization, we provide an integrated, end-to-end service, minimizing your internal resource allocation.
Quality and Reliability
We are committed to delivering high-quality, reproducible results with rigorous quality control measures at every stage.
Proprietary Technologies
Access to our proprietary library of optimized surface anchoring motifs and expression systems for enhanced display efficiency.
Confidentiality and IP Protection
We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and ensure the protection of your intellectual property.
Applications of Probiotic Surface Display
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Live Oral Vaccines: Displaying pathogen-derived antigens on probiotic surfaces for safe, effective, and orally administered vaccines against infectious diseases (e.g., bacterial, viral, parasitic).
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Targeted Drug/Therapeutic Delivery: Engineering probiotics to display targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides) that bind to specific receptors on diseased cells (e.g., cancer cells, inflamed intestinal tissue) for localized drug delivery.
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Enzyme Delivery and Bioconversion: Presenting enzymes on the surface of probiotics to facilitate localized bioconversion of substrates in the gut (e.g., breaking down toxins, enhancing nutrient absorption, producing beneficial metabolites).
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Biosensors and Diagnostics: Developing whole-cell biosensors by displaying specific recognition elements on probiotic surfaces to detect pathogens, toxins, or biomarkers in environmental or clinical samples.
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Immunomodulation: Engineering probiotics to display immunomodulatory molecules (e.g., cytokines, anti-inflammatory peptides) to modulate host immune responses for treating autoimmune diseases, allergies, or inflammatory bowel disease.
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Functional Food and Feed Additives: Enhancing the beneficial properties of probiotics in food products by displaying enzymes, prebiotics, or other functional molecules for improved digestion, nutrient utilization, or gut health.
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Biofilm Modulation: Displaying molecules that can disrupt or prevent pathogenic biofilm formation.
Mechanism of Action: How Probiotic Surface Display Works
Surface display involves genetically modifying probiotic bacteria to express foreign proteins on their outer cell membrane or cell wall. This is typically achieved by fusing the gene encoding the desired protein with a gene encoding a bacterial surface anchor protein. The anchor protein directs the fusion protein to the bacterial surface, ensuring its stable and accessible presentation. When these engineered probiotics are introduced into a target environment (e.g., the gut, a bioreactor), the displayed protein can interact with specific targets. This interaction can be exploited for:
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Targeted drug delivery: Displaying antigens for vaccination, enzymes for metabolic disorders, or antibodies for localized therapy.
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Biosensing: Presenting recognition elements for detecting specific molecules (e.g., toxins, pathogens).
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Biocatalysis: Anchoring enzymes for enhanced reaction efficiency and simplified recovery in industrial processes.
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Immunomodulation: Displaying immunomodulatory proteins to fine-tune immune responses.
Contact Us Today to Transform Your Probiotic Research! Ready to explore the groundbreaking potential of probiotic surface display for your next project? Our team of experts is eager to discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored solution.
FAQs
What types of proteins/peptides can be displayed on probiotic surfaces?
Almost any protein or peptide can potentially be displayed, from small antigens and single-chain variable fragments (scFv) to larger enzymes and even whole antibodies. The key is proper design, including suitable anchoring motifs and avoiding overly complex or misfolding-prone proteins.
Which probiotic strains are suitable for surface display?
We work with a wide range of commonly used probiotic strains, including various species of Lactobacillus (e.g., L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum), Bifidobacterium (e.g., B. longum, B. lactis), Lactococcus lactis, and Bacillus subtilis. We also offer services for Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, a well-characterized commensal bacterium. If you have a specific strain in mind, please consult with our team.
Is the displayed protein stable and functional?
Our service includes rigorous characterization to confirm both the stability and functional activity of the displayed protein. We employ various biochemical and immunological assays to ensure the displayed protein retains its native conformation and desired biological activity.
Can I choose the specific anchoring motif?
Yes, we can work with your preferred anchoring motif if you have one. Otherwise, our experts will recommend the most suitable motif from our proprietary library based on your target protein and probiotic strain for optimal display efficiency and stability.
How much material will I receive?
The quantity of the engineering probiotic material is generally 2 vials of glycerol bacteria. Typically, we provide sufficient quantities for initial in vitro or pilot-scale in vivo studies. Scale-up to larger quantities can be discussed as a separate service.
