(112f) Self-Assembling Cellular Coatings to Improve the Oxygen Tolerance of Anaerobes

Microbial probiotics are becoming increasingly important for maintenance of health, but numerous challenges remain in their manufacture, shelf stability and transport. Specifically, anaerobic bacteria lack oxygen scavenging mechanisms, leading to reactive oxygen species-mediated damage and cell death within minutes of ppm level oxygen exposure. To address these challenges, we have developed a self-assembling cellular coating made from non-toxic metal ions and natural organics, to improve the oxygen tolerance and stability of these anaerobes. By optimizing these coatings, we have successfully encapsulated microbes. Because of the high biocompatibility of these coatings, the anaerobes demonstrated negligible viability loss after encapsulation and improved oxygen tolerance. This coating strategy will shed light on interfacial interactions of biotic and abiotic hybrid materials.