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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Combinatorial Synthesis of and High-throughput Protein Release from Polymer Film and Nanoparticle Libraries
Published on: September 6, 2012
Rational engineering of combinatorial bacterial therapies for cancer
Paige Steppe1, Katherine O'Connor1, Jeff Hasty2,3,4
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, CA, United States.
Abstract:
Engineered bacteria are emerging as a transformative class of cancer therapeutics. Recent advances in synthetic biology have expanded the genetic circuit toolbox, enabling the programmable control of attenuation, payload release, and immunomodulation. These developments have transformed bacteria from simple, colonizing agents into a versatile chassis for complex therapeutic functions. In this review, we examine recent circuit-based strategies for enhancing tumor specificity, regulating therapeutic delivery and engaging the host immune system, with emphasis on programming spatiotemporal control and consortia behavior. We consider current barriers to clinical translational and discuss how rational engineering can guide the next generation of microbial therapeutics.
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