The Bacterial Biosensors lab is located in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) at the University of Vermont. Our central focus is to engineer new ways for bacteria to detect and respond to disease.
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Lung Cancer Screening with Genetically Engineered Bacterial Probes
Lung Cancer Screening with Genetically Engineered Bacterial Probes
We are building genetically engineered bacteria as biosensor probes for lung cancer. Bacteria will be made to be safely delivered to human lungs, where they will detect specific biomarkers produced by a lung tumor and respond by producing more easily detected synthetic biomarkers.
Engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1 as a Biosensor Probe for Lung Cancer. ACS Syn. Bio. (2025). Link
Building Bacterial Peptide Receptors
Building Bacterial Peptide Receptors
Bacteria communicate with each other through peptide pheromones. We are re-engineering receptors for peptide pheromones to instead detect peptides linked with human disease. One such receptor is shown at right (ComR).
Mutation of the peptide-regulated transcription factor ComR for amidated peptide specificity and heterologous function in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1. Microbiology Spectrum. (2024) Link
Fighting Pulmonary Infections with Engineered Probiotics
Fighting Pulmonary Infections with Engineered Probiotics
Bacteria have evolved countless ways of sensing and attacking one another with high specificity. We are augmenting probiotic bacteria in multiple ways to sense and fight pulmonary pathogens.
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