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Scalable High Throughput Selection From Phage-displayed Synthetic Antibody Libraries

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Published on: January 17, 2015

Microgravity reshapes bacteriophage-host coevolution aboard the International Space Station.

Phil Huss^1,2,3, Chutikarn Chitboonthavisuk^1,2,3, Anthony Meger¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.

|January 13, 2026

Summary

Bacteriophage T7 and Escherichia coli adapted to microgravity on the International Space Station (ISS). Mutations enhanced fitness, leading to T7 variants that infect resistant bacteria, benefiting terrestrial applications.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Space Biology
Virology

Background:

Microbial ecosystems are shaped by bacteriophage-host interactions.
Microgravity's impact on these interactions is largely unknown.
Research on Earth has extensively studied these dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate bacteriophage T7 and Escherichia coli dynamics in microgravity.
Identify adaptive mutations in phage and bacteria under microgravity.
Develop T7 variants to infect resistant bacteria.

Main Methods:

Conducted experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Analyzed de novo mutations using deep mutational scanning.
Employed combinatorial libraries for variant selection.

Main Results:

Phage activity was initially delayed but ultimately successful in microgravity.
Identified mutations conferring microgravity fitness in both phage and bacteria.
Observed distinct mutational patterns compared to terrestrial conditions.
Developed T7 variants infecting resistant uropathogenic E. coli.

Conclusions:

Microgravity drives unique adaptations in bacteriophage-host interactions.
Understanding these adaptations can inform phage therapy and microbial ecology.
Findings support future research on spaceflight's effects on microbial communities.