Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a groundbreaking method designed to protect microbes from extreme environmental conditions. This novel technique, developed under the guidance of Giovanni Traverso, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, aims to enhance the stability of bacteria and yeast used in various applications, from medicine to agriculture. By utilizing compounds classified by the FDA as “generally regarded as safe,” the team has successfully engineered microbes to endure harsh conditions such as high temperatures, radiation, and the rigors of industrial processing.
The innovative approach involves mixing microbes with specific food and drug additives that bolster their resilience. The research, published in Nature Materials and led by Miguel Jimenez, now an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, found that these formulations could protect microbes through conditions that would typically damage or destroy them. This advancement is particularly significant for microbes used in probiotics, microbial therapeutics, and agricultural applications, where stability is crucial for effectiveness and shelf life.
The team initially focused on four microbial strains: Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, Ensifer meliloti, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces boulardii. These microbes were subjected to a range of stress tests, including high temperatures and radiation levels, to evaluate their survival and functionality. The researchers identified several additives, including sugars and peptides, that significantly improved the microbes' ability to withstand lyophilization, a drying process used to make them into powder form.
One of the most notable findings was the development of "formulation D," a mix of caffeine, yeast extract, and melibiose. This formulation enabled E. coli Nissle 1917 to survive for six months at 37°C with a survival rate exceeding 10%, in stark contrast to commercially available formulations that lost all viability after just 11 days. This formulation also demonstrated impressive resistance to ionizing radiation, up to 1,000 grays, highlighting its potential for applications in space and other extreme environments.
The research team’s experiments included an extraordinary test of sending these stabilized microbes to the International Space Station (ISS). The microbes were exposed to the space environment's extreme conditions, including radiation and vacuum, as part of an ultimate stress test. Preliminary results indicate that the microbes returned in good condition, which could have significant implications for future space missions and the development of resilient microbial systems for use in space.
The successful stabilization of these microbes not only paves the way for their use in extreme conditions but also offers potential benefits for more conventional applications. The ability to manufacture durable probiotic tablets and microbial therapeutics that can survive harsh industrial processes could lead to more reliable and accessible products for healthcare and agriculture.
This research, funded by NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health, MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, and other supporting institutions, marks a significant advancement in the field of microbial technology. The findings could enhance the stability and efficacy of microbial products, making them more robust for a variety of uses, including space exploration and agricultural innovation.
