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Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials

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Engineering of bacteria towards programmed autolysis: why, how, and when?

Changying Dong¹, Shenghao Cui², Jialuan Ren³

¹College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin Road, City of Jilin, 132101, Jilin, China. 13252526728@163.com.

Microbial Cell Factories

|October 28, 2024

Summary

Programmed autolytic bacteria, engineered for controlled cell lysis, offer versatile applications in biomanufacturing and biomedicine. This review details their construction, control mechanisms, and future potential for advanced biological systems.

Keywords:

Autolysis Bio-product Control Endolysin Release

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Microbiology
Synthetic Biology

Background:

Programmed autolytic bacteria are engineered systems that undergo controlled cell lysis.
These bacteria release intracellular contents or self-destruct at specific times.
They have diverse applications, including bioproduct recovery and population control.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the applications of programmed autolytic bacteria.
To summarize methods for establishing autolytic bacterial systems.
To detail strategies for controlling and initiating cell lysis.

Main Methods:

Cell autolysis mediated by cell wall hydrolases or membrane-disturbing proteins.
Control of lysis via chemical inducers, physical signals, metabolic status, or constitutive gene expression.

Main Results:

Autolytic bacteria offer significant potential in biomanufacturing and biomedicine.
Various approaches exist for creating and controlling autolytic bacterial systems.
On-demand control of cell autolysis has seen recent advancements.

Conclusions:

Autolytic bacteria are powerful tools for diverse biotechnological applications.
Further development is needed to optimize efficiency, robustness, and intelligence of these platforms.
This review provides guidance for developing advanced autolytic bacterial systems.