Emerging technologies enable doctors to leverage microorganisms for diagnosing and treating diseases through gut microbiota. Recent studies highlight these advancements.

Researchers successfully used smartphone apps to genetically alter bacteria, causing them to emit light signals in response.

If proven safe and effective in humans, this treatment could address several illnesses that are currently challenging to manage.

This method encompassed three key elements: bacteria, technology, and pigs. Under the guidance of senior author Hanzi Wang from Tianjin University in China, scientists modified E. coli bacteria to react to specific chemical and optical stimuli.

They created swallowable capsules controlled via Bluetooth that communicate with these photoresponsive bacteria, targeting pigs afflicted with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that results in intestinal swelling.

The experiment has commenced, allowing scientists to introduce engineered E. coli into the inflamed intestines of pigs through these capsules.

Nitrates, which the body produces during intestinal inflammation, serve as indicators of active colitis. When the modified E. coli come into contact with nitrates, they illuminate.

These smart capsules can detect the optical signal, alerting researchers to the presence of E. coli via Bluetooth.

Through a smartphone app, researchers can command the capsule to start emitting light signals, prompting the E. coli to release anti-inflammatory antibodies to combat colitis.

This innovative approach enables scientists to effectively communicate with the bacteria, ensuring targeted treatment delivery.

“This represents a remarkable technological advancement,” stated Dr. Lindsey Edwards, a senior lecturer in Microbiology at King’s College London, as reported by BBC Science Focus. Dr. Edwards was not involved in the research.

“Methods like this enable precise, real-time interactions with gut bacteria and have the potential to revolutionize treatment,” she added.

“There is an urgent need for new tools that allow us to harness the full potential of our microbiota to enhance health and better understand and manage microbial infections.”

At present, colitis has no existing treatments, and options are scarce. Dr. Edwards believes that such future methods could “open new pathways” for treating not only inflammatory bowel disease but also other gut-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic fatigue.

However, Dr. Alexandre Almeida, from the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge University and not part of this research, warns that this possibility is still distant.

“This is still a preliminary proof-of-concept study,” he noted. “The technology has only been tested in animals and specifically for detecting certain conditions.”

“Before human applications, we must evaluate the safety of this technology and address significant questions, such as how these engineered microorganisms influence the natural balance of other gut bacteria.”

Dr. Nicholas Ilott, a senior researcher at the Oxford Microbiome Research Center who did not participate in the study, stated that the technology is “incredibly exciting” and could prove to be “very valuable” in future medical treatments.

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About our experts

Dr. Lindsey Edwards is a senior lecturer in microbiology at King’s College London, UK. Her research focuses on mucosal barrier immunology, host-microbe interactions, and the priming of adaptive immune responses, along with intestinal and liver diseases.

Dr. Alexandre Almeida is a Principal Investigator and MRC Career Development Fellow at the University of Cambridge, UK, specializing in bioinformatics and genomic approaches for biological discoveries related to human health.

Dr. Nicholas Ilott is a senior researcher specializing in bioinformatics at the Microbiome Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oxford University, UK, concentrating on host-microbe interactions in chronic liver and inflammatory bowel diseases.