Polar explorers and deep-sea divers may soon benefit from probiotic creams that help prevent frostbite and hypothermia. This revolutionary idea stems from groundbreaking research that genetically modified skin bacteria to detect temperature changes and generate additional warmth as needed.

As stated by Harris Wang from Columbia University, who was not directly involved with the research, “This is very creative work. Such a cream could be pivotal in preventing frostbite.” He notes potential applications in keeping warm during winter or protecting against frostbite on expeditions, including deep-sea diving.

Guillermo Nevoto Sanchez and his research team at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona have engineered a strain of C. acnes, commonly found on healthy skin, to produce double the usual amount of heat. Using the CRISPR genetic editing tool, they modified a protein called arcC that plays a crucial role in energy production.

The team also leveraged CRISPR to adjust the expression of heat-sensitive genes within various batches of C. acnes. This modification enables these microorganisms to sense temperatures exceeding 32°C (90°F) and emit a fluorescent signal as an alert.

Nebot-Sanchez remarks that this research provides a foundational concept demonstrating that skin bacteria can be engineered for greater heat production in reaction to temperature variations. Future work must focus on merging these capabilities to also identify dangerously low temperatures, not just the high ones.

Nebot-Sanchez shared insights from an unpublished experiment indicating that the modified strain of C. acnes can thrive when incorporated into creams.

“We may develop probiotic creams to cover significant body areas, which could help prevent hypothermia during cold hikes,” Nebot-Sanchez mentioned at the Synthetic Biology for Health and Sustainability conference held in Hinxton, UK, on March 12. This innovation could also benefit individuals residing in harsh, cold climates.

However, Wang emphasizes that further research is necessary to assess how effectively these creams warm human skin samples in laboratory conditions or in mice. Additionally, strategies to eliminate bacteria when needed—such as utilizing a secondary cream—are crucial to mitigate potential side effects like overheating, according to Nebot-Sanchez.