Treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis using engineered probiotic bacteria

  • Kean, Ryan (CoI)
  • Cummings, Matthew (PI)
  • Corcoran, David (PI)
  • Ramage, Gordon (CoI)

Project Details

Description

Our objective is to develop a probiotic bacterium designed for preventative
removal of G. vaginalis from the vaginal environment. Upon vaginal administration
by the patient at key trigger points (i.e. menstruation), the bacterium would:
1. First sense the presence of any G. vaginalis through specialist sensors
(biosensors). These sensors detect chemical signatures associated with G.
vaginalis/BV.
2. If G. vaginalis/BV is sensed, our bacterium would produce and release our
endolysin into the environment, removing its presence.
Main Focus
5/20/22, 12:31 PM Print Application - Innovation Funding Service
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/application/10035355/print 4/32
We will select an appropriate probiotic bacterium (Lactobacillus) and genetically
introduce previously identified biosensor circuitry. We will demonstrate this
engineered bacterium's ability to: i) sense the presence of G. vaginalis/BV, ii)
produce and release endolysins in response, and iii) kill G. vaginalis effectively in
complex, representative models of the vagina.
StatusNot started

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

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