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Genetically engineered filamentous phage for bacterial detection using magnetic resonance imaging
Raymond E Borg1, Harun F Ozbakir2, Binzhi Xu3
1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
Sensors & Diagnostics
|February 26, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel M13 phage platform for specific bacterial detection in deep tissues using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This biomolecular tool enhances bacterial imaging contrast, enabling precise tracking of targeted bacterial strains in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Microbiology
Background:
- Detecting specific bacteria deep within tissues is difficult.
- Optical probes lack deep-tissue penetration, while MRI lacks specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a platform combining bacterial specificity with deep-tissue MRI.
- To engineer M13 phage probes for targeted bacterial detection.
Main Methods:
- Engineered M13 phage to target specific bacterial strains (E. coli, V. cholerae).
- Utilized T1-weighted MRI for deep-tissue imaging.
- Assessed probe performance by measuring T1 relaxation changes.
Main Results:
- Phage sensors showed 3-9 fold increased T1 relaxation upon target cell recognition.
- Demonstrated in vivo detection of phage-labeled bacteria in mice using MRI.
Conclusions:
- The M13 phage platform enables specific bacterial detection and deep-tissue MRI.
- This approach has potential for biomedical research and in situ diagnostics.
