Achieving durable engraftment and spatial localization of engineered microbes in complex environments, such as the gut microbiome, has been a persistent challenge. Current methods to select and isolate engineered microbes in the lab rely on antibiotic-based selection systems, which are unsuitable for in vivo applications due to safety concerns, environmental risks, and regulatory hurdles. Moreover, these methods lack the precision needed for selective recovery and targeting within diverse microbial communities.  UC Berkeley researchers have developed an innovative framework that integrates plasmid-based systems and CRISPR-associated transposase systems (CASTs) to enable precise delivery of genetic cargoes encoding surface display systems. These systems, when expressed, allow engineered microbes to display modular binding domains capable of interacting with a range of targets, including but not limited to host associated mucus and magnetic particles. This modularity expands the toolkit for selective enrichment, spatial targeting, and functionalization of engineered microbes in diverse contexts. For example, modified microbes can be magnetized for recovery through magnetic separation or equipped with binding domains to interact with other substrates or biomolecules, unlocking targeted applications in microbiome engineering, therapeutic delivery, and biomanufacturing. This approach not only enables the enrichment and spatial targeting of engineered microbes within complex communities, such as those in the gut, but also provides a versatile method for isolating bacterial strains or directing microbes to specific niches without relying on antibiotics. By combining plasmid modularity with the precision and stability of CASTs, the platform establishes a robust and adaptable solution for microbiome modulation. 

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a method of enrichment of walnut-derived bioactive lipids and fatty acids for their application to improve human and plant health.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an isolated strain of Bifidobacterium to be used in infant probiotics that can be produced at a commercially viable scale.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have isolated strains of Bifidobacterium that can metabolize oligosaccharides containing sialic acid to aid in probiotic supplements for infants.

In this technology, the inventors introduce additives to purposely change the morphology of polycaprolactone (PCL) by increasing the bending and twisting of crystalline lamellae. These morphological changes immobilize chain-ends preferentially at the crystalline/amorphous interfaces and limit chain-end accessibility by the embedded processive enzyme. This chain end redistribution reduces the polymer-to-monomer conversion from >95% to less than 50%, causing formation of highly crystalline plastic pieces including microplastics. By synergizing both random chain scission and processive depolymerization, it is feasible to navigate morphological changes in polymer/additive blends and to achieve near complete depolymerization. The random scission enzymes in the amorphous domains create new chain ends that are subsequently bound and depolymerized by processive enzymes. Present studies further highlight the importance to consider host polymer morphological effects on the reactions catalyzed by embedded catalytic species.This is part of a patent family in compostable plastics.  

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a method to harvest and enrich symbiotic bacteriophage to promote bacterial immunity.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have designed an improved version of trehalose-based glycopolymer as a degradable alternative to PEG for the purpose of stabilizing a protein during storage and transport.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a novel, efficient route to a new class of dietary supplements with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possible cardioprotective properties.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a method of delivering targeted bioactives that is applicable to the agricultural, food processing, cosmetic, veterinary and medical industries.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have designed an improved version of trehalose-based glycopolymer as a degradable alternative to PEG for the purpose of stabilizing a protein during storage and transport.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have demonstrated biologic activities of Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) against lung cancer cells in tissue culture and in mice.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a formulation of steroids, including neurotsteroids in edible oils to enhance their absorption orally or transmucosally.

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Delivery system for protecting feed ingredients passing through the rumen of cattle.

Phaff yeast culture collection.