12/03/2024
By Zhiyong Gu
Kang Wu, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, gives a Chemical Engineering seminar titled, "Harness the Power of Synthetic Biology: Engineering of Bacterial Spores for Novel Applications."
Time: Thursday, Dec. 5, 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
Location: Shah Hall 301
Abstract
Recent advancements in omics-tools, combined with the decreasing costs of DNA sequencing and synthesis, have enabled the development of novel platforms in synthetic biology. These advancements facilitate the engineering of non-conventional hosts and subcellular systems with unique features, making them suitable for applications in conditions unfavorable for traditional hosts. Among these platforms, bacterial spores are of particular interest for protein display due to their exceptional robustness. Bacterial spores are dormant cells encased in multiple layers of protein shells, which confer resistance to a wide range of harsh environmental conditions. This robustness has made them a promising platform for protein display, enabling enhanced stability and extended shelf-life for enzymes, biocatalysts, and antigens, including their potential use as oral vaccines. Our work focuses on developing tools and refining methods for protein display on spore surfaces. We have successfully displayed various enzymes and heavy metal-binding proteins on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores. This talk will highlight the challenges and opportunities in utilizing bacterial spores for applications in biocatalysis, biomanufacturing, drug delivery, bioremediation and biosensing.
Dr. Wu began her scientific career studying genetic circuits and cellular signal transduction pathways in microbes while pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her postdoc training, she transitioned from the fundamental side of microbial synthetic biology to the applied research in metabolic engineering, focusing on thermophiles for bioethanol production. At the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Wu’s research group centers on designing genetic tools for non-conventional hosts and developing bacterial spores as a platform for protein and peptide display with applications in drug delivery, biomanufacturing, bioremediation and biosensing.