Multipurpose bacteria

2001/05/31 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Mikrobiologia

The biochemist Michael Manson of this university has analyzed the behavior of the bacteria E. coli in obtaining food, that is, the chemotaxi of the bacteria. For example, maltose sugar attracts bacteria, while nickel ions remove it. It has a sensor that measures the concentrations of chemicals that attract and prevent bacteria.

In collaboration with other UCLA researchers, Manson has made E. coli avoid nitrates. In fact, nitrates are a very important food for the bacteria, so this group has shown that it is possible to change the biosensor of the bacteria. In this case, the change has been achieved by a protein applied to the bacteria. This system allows the receptors of E. coli bacteria to be able to know any chemical molecule.

In addition, researchers want to use bacteria to transport cargo to a certain place. The biggest problem is how the load has been applied and, according to studies, one of the solutions is the use of bacteriophages.

Bacteriophages kill bacteria, but if it is inhibited by a mutation, with the help of the bacteriophage, the desired molecule will be introduced into the bacteria. Although research begins, researchers believe that the bacteria may be used to carry hormones or antitumor drugs.

Bacteria can also be useful in nanoflujos. Due to the small size of the pipes, flow drive pumps are often damaged by the excessive pressure they generate. To avoid this, researchers have proposed using the scourge of E. coli as a turbine.

Each bacterium has about four scourges that can propel them. The propulsion force is obtained by an electric motor that rotates several revolutions per second at the base of the scourge. They study the engine of the scourge and try to manufacture a flagellar motor separated from the bacteria. They would like to place this motor in biological and artificial membranes. It would certainly be an important step in nanotechnology.

It seems that the use that can be given to these small beings has no limits.