The Problem
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, affect millions of people worldwide. Existing therapies often act systemically, which frequently brings side effects and permanently burdens the patients‘ quality of life.
Our approach starts directly at the site of the occurrence – local, precise, and demand-driven.
A Next-Generation Probiotic
A harmless intestinal bacterium that has been genetically modified to independently recognize inflammation in the gut and subsequently produce therapeutic agents directly on-site. No systemic active ingredient that spreads throughout the entire body – but rather targeted delivery exactly where it is needed. The bacterium (E. coli Nissle 1917) has been medically established for over 100 years and is considered safe.
We equip it with a genetic circuit that must detect two different inflammation markers simultaneously before it becomes active – a two-key mechanism for maximum precision.
The Mechanism
The bacterium carries two biological sensors, each of which recognizes a specific inflammation marker in the gut. Only when both signals are present simultaneously is the production of the active ingredient triggered.
This principle – known in engineering as an AND-Gate – prevents false responses and makes the system controllable.
🧬 SynBio-Team der Universität Stuttgart
Institut für Bioverfahrenstechnik
Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart
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