Content

Integration of Microneedle Patch Technology and Synthetic Biology for Enhanced Antimicrobial Treatment in Agriculture


"Precision Antimicrobial Therapy for Agriculture using Silk-Based Microneedle Patches and Engineered Antimicrobial Peptides"



Abstract

Our project focuses on the innovative integration of microneedle patch technology and synthetic biology to enhance the efficiency and precision of antimicrobial treatments in agriculture. The primary goal is to develop a sustainable, targeted delivery system for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that mitigates the overuse of antibiotics, reduces environmental contamination, and combats the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This approach leverages the unique capabilities of microneedles for localized drug delivery and the power of synthetic biology to engineer microorganisms that produce specific AMPs tailored to combat agricultural pathogens.

Background and Significance

Figure 1. Image from bolnews.s3.amazonaws.

The widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture has led to significant environmental pollution and the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs[1, 2]. Traditional methods of antibiotic application often result in excessive use and insufficient targeting, contributing to soil and water contamination[3-5]. Microneedle technology offers a promising solution by enabling localized and controlled drug release[6, 7]. When combined with synthetic biology, we can design bacteria to produce specific AMPs that are incorporated into microneedle patches, providing a targeted antimicrobial strategy that is both efficient and environmentally friendly[8-12].

Anent the advanced circumstances of the farming industry, issues have happened as we create. Our travel begun with the issue of developing natural contaminations made by the abuse of anti-microbials in cutting edge agribusiness behaviors. Being as a high-school understudy lead group, we had continuously been excited approximately utilizing biotechnology to form feasible arrangements. Our motivation came from the squeezing ask to show the significant issues of anti-microbial contamination and the wasteful aspects in current agrarian strategies. We trust that we may appear an affect towards the community by making such item.

The noteworthiness of this venture builds from the negative impacts of broad anti-microbial utilize in agribusiness, which incorporates natural contamination and the increment of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. In conventional anti-microbial applications, we commonly see comes about in intemperate utilize and deficiently focusing on, contributing to soil and water defilement. These impacts may cause the frailty of nourishment supply and plant development. Hence, microneedle innovation gives a solid arrangement by empowering localized and controlled sedate discharge to decrease the fetched of negative externalities. Combining this concept with engineered science permits us to plan microbes that particularly targets medicines on such rural issues.

Our Approach

Our approach is focused on the integration of microneedle patch technology with synthetic biology to address the challenges of antibiotic overuse in agriculture. We want to develop a sustainable and precise delivery system for antimicrobial peptides that will reduce environmental contamination and combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. By utilizing microneedles for localized drug delivery, we can ensure targeted treatment with minimal waste. Synthetic biology allows us to engineer bacteria that produce specific AMPs, tailored to combat agricultural pathogens efficiently.

Objectives

  1. Design and manufacture silk-based microneedle patches.
  2. Engineer bacteria to produce specific antimicrobial peptides.
  3. Integrate the antimicrobial peptides into the microneedle patches.
  4. Test the drug release mechanisms of the microneedle patches.
  5. Evaluate the efficacy of the microneedle patches in treating target plant diseases.
  6. Analyze results and optimize the microneedle patch design.

Figure 2. Image from NC STATE UNIVERSITY.

Figure 3. Image from EVONETIX.

Research Plan and Methodology

  1. Design and Manufacture Silk-Based Microneedle Patches
    • Utilize silk fibroin as the primary material for microneedle patches due to its biocompatibility and mechanical strength.
    • Design microneedles with appropriate dimensions to ensure penetration into the plant or fruit epidermis.
    • Fabricate microneedles using micro-molding or 3D printing techniques to achieve precise geometries and uniformity.
  2. Engineering Bacteria to Produce Antimicrobial Peptides
    • Employ synthetic biology techniques to modify bacterial strains, enabling them to synthesize specific AMPs effective against common agricultural pathogens.
    • Optimize bacterial cultures for maximum peptide yield and purity.
    • Validate the antimicrobial activity of the produced peptides through in vitro assays.
  3. Integration of Antimicrobial Peptides into Microneedle Patches
    • Develop methods for incorporating AMPs into silk-based microneedles, ensuring stability and bioactivity.
    • Utilize encapsulation techniques to protect AMPs during microneedle fabrication and storage.
    • Characterize the loading efficiency and release kinetics of AMPs from the microneedles.
  4. Testing Drug Release Mechanisms
    • Conduct in vitro experiments simulating plant or fruit epidermis to study the release profile of AMPs from microneedles.
    • Utilize diffusion and degradation models to predict in vivo release behavior.
  5. Evaluation of Efficacy in Treating Plant Diseases
    • Apply microneedle patches to plants or fruits infected with target pathogens.
    • Monitor the health and recovery of treated plants compared to controls.
    • Assess the reduction in pathogen load and improvement in plant health metrics.
  6. Results Analysis and Design Optimization
    • Analyze experimental data to evaluate the performance of microneedle patches.
    • Identify areas for improvement based on feedback and experimental outcomes.
    • Optimize the design and formulation of microneedle patches to enhance efficacy and stability.

Expected Outcomes

Figure 4. Image from masataka sasabe.

  • Development of an effective, localized delivery system for antimicrobial treatments in agriculture.
  • Reduction in the use of traditional antibiotics, thereby minimizing environmental impact and antibiotic resistance.
  • Advancement of precision agriculture techniques through targeted, sustainable interventions.
  • Demonstration of the potential of synthetic biology and microneedle technology in addressing global health challenges.

Conclusion

This project embodies the spirit of the iGEM competition by harnessing synthetic biology and innovative engineering to solve real-world problems. Our interdisciplinary approach not only enhances the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices. The successful implementation of this research could lead to significant advancements in personalized agriculture and contribute to global efforts in combating antibiotic resistance.

Future Plan

References

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