DNA-programmed responsive microorganism assembly with controlled patterns and behaviors.

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Microbial engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Engineering multicellular microbial communities is crucial for synthetic biology and medicine.
• Current methods for controlling microbial interactions lack specificity and require engineered organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for programming microorganism adhesions using functional DNA.
• To enable precise spatial control and stimuli-responsive behaviors in engineered microbial communities.

Main Methods:

• Functional DNA was used as programmable surface receptors to modify microorganisms.
• Metabolic labeling and hydrophobic insertion were employed for DNA modification.
• Diverse microbial species, including bacteria and spores, were functionalized with DNA.

Main Results:

• Precise spatial control of microbial assemblies (bi- and tricomponent) was achieved, forming diverse morphologies.
• Stimuli-responsive clustering was demonstrated using DNA-based mechanisms like aptamers and strand displacement.
• Engineered communities exhibited dynamic biofunctions such as controlled biofilm formation and altered antibiotic sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Functional DNA provides a versatile platform for programming microbial interactions and engineering complex communities.
• This approach enables the creation of living microbial systems with dynamic, externally triggered biofunctions.
• The findings advance synthetic biology applications in medicine and biotechnology.