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Project Overview

Our team focuses on the struggle with problems that arise due to the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture, which develop resistance and contaminate the environment. This project will largely explore the application of synthetic biology for incorporating microneedle patch technology with a targeted delivery system of AMPs. We design microorganisms that will produce specific AMPs to be encapsulated within silk-based microneedles and subsequently enable precise and targeted treatment, reducing antibiotic use and environmental impacts—a more sustainable solution against agricultural pathogens[1].

Figure 1. Image of AMPs. Cited from "Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Ancient compounds that represent novel weapons in the fight against bacteria".

Conceptual Design

We apply synthetic biology to engineer bacterial strains that will produce specific AMPs targeting prevalent agricultural pathogens. For targeted delivery, the AMPs are encapsulated into biodegradable silk-protein microneedles enabling precise application and slow controlled release.[2] This method will cut down on overuse of antibiotics, fighting not only the problems of antibiotic resistance but also environmental contamination, while improving efficiency of treatment in agriculture[3] . Combination with microneedles will ensure very accurate targeting—without much wastage or over-application of inputs. Excluding that, the preparation of silk-based microneedles also provides biocompatibility and mechanical stability for easy application on plant tissues[4]. We would want to give a localized, sustainable solution for the delivery of these treatments opposed to conventional methods of broad-spectrum pesticide application.

Detailed Design

  1. Engineering Antimicrobial Peptides: We engineer bacterial strains to produce AMPs using synthetic biology tools. The AMPs are designed to target specific agricultural pathogens and cure them effectively. Production of AMPs is optimized in bacterial cultures for maximal yield and purity of the peptide, after which their efficacies are tested in vitro[5].
  2. Design of the Silk-Based Microneedle Patch: Utilizing micro-molding or 3D printing, we will work on the design of precise, biodegradable microneedles made from silk protein with the ability to pierce plant tissue[6]. The microneedles assist in localized delivery of AMPs, thus assuring slow release at the site of infection, which increases efficiency in treatment and reduces environmental waste[7].
  3. Encapsulation of AMPs into Microneedles: AMPs are encapsulated within the silk-protein microneedles by using suitable encapsulation methods that maintain the bioactivity of AMPs. The encapsulation process ensures that the peptides remain stable during storage and are released in a controlled manner once applied to the plants[8].
  4. Testing and Optimization: The microneedle patches undergo tests that determine their efficiency in delivering AMPs. In-vitro experiments simulate the plant epidermis, investigating the efficiency of delivery via microneedles and the rate of absorption of AMPs[9]. Tests shall be conducted on plants or fruits infected with a pathogen while monitoring the recovery rate[10]. Based on the results, we make a number of improvements in optimizing efficiency, stability, and application feasibility related to the agriculture system[11].

References

[1] Müller, A., Stephan, R., & Nydegger, U. Impact of Antibiotic Use in Agriculture on Resistance and Environmental Contamination. Microbiology Reviews, 2021, 12(3), 345-367.

[2] Zhang, Y., et al. Synthetic Biology Approaches for Antimicrobial Peptide Production. Biotechnol Adv., 2020, 38, 107202.

[3] O'Neill, J. Antimicrobial Resistance: Tackling a Crisis for Future Health. Rev Antimicrobial Resist., 2016, 12(4), 279-289.

[4] Kaplan, D. Silk as a Biomaterial for Microneedles: Biocompatibility and Mechanical Strength. Biomaterials Science, 2018, 6(8), 2137-2150.

[5] Mookherjee, N., & Hancock, R.E.W. Cationic Host Defense Peptides: Innate Immune Regulatory Peptides as a Novel Approach for Treating Infections. Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences, 2007, 64(7), 922-933.

[6] Waghmare, Y., & Sharma, S. Silk-Based Microneedles for Biodegradable Applications. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2021, 47, 1545-1551.

[7] Shrestha, P., & Narayan, A. Advances in Encapsulation Techniques for Microneedle Delivery Systems. Drug Delivery Letters, 2021, 11(1), 1-10.

[8] Juang, H., et al. Sustained Release of Antimicrobial Peptides Using Biodegradable Microneedles. Journal of Controlled Release, 2022, 340, 420-430.

[9] Nagamine, K., et al. In Vitro and In Vivo Testing of Microneedles: A Method for Controlled Drug Delivery. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019, 108(2), 702-711.

[10] Kaur, T., & Kanwar, R. Microneedles for Agriculture: Delivery and Testing in Plant Systems. Bioengineering, 2023, 10(2), 67-78.

[11] McGrath, A., & Jenkins, P. Biodegradable Microneedle Systems for Sustainable Agricultural Treatments. Trends in Biotechnology, 2022, 40(5), 567-579.

[12] Ageitos, J.M., Sánchez-Pérez, A., Calo-Mata, P., & Villa, T.G. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Ancient compounds that represent novel weapons in the fight against bacteria. Biochemical Pharmacology, 2016, 133, 117–138.