ERC PoC Grant BacToMagicle

SUMMARY

Of tremendous biomedical and clinical interest are magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP) that can be tailored to fulfil specific functions, for instance as actuated drug carriers, tracers for magnetic imaging modalities, or heat generators in magnetic hyperthermia for cancer therapy. However, their use in real-world applications has been hampered by lack of precise size control and magnetic tunability as well as by poor biocompatibility associated with their conventional synthesis. This project proposes a step-change approach for the light-powered bioproduction of high-quality magnetic nanoparticles by novel synthetic microbes generated in ERC AdG Syntomagx, crafted precisely for their use in biomedical applications. Compared to commercial, chemically synthesized MNP, these novel bacterial MNP are expected to exhibit superior applicability and versatility, owing to their genetically tuned and uniform physicochemical and magnetic characteristics, available at high cost-efficiency and under sustainable manufacturing conditions. First, bacterial production and purification of the particles will be set up at large lab scale. In addition, their anticipated superior biocompatibility will be thoroughly assessed. Then, we will explore and demonstrate their performance in collaboration with various biomedical end users. As proof-of-concept we will deliver a formulation of bacterial MNP tailored as potent tracers in high-resolution magnetic particle imaging (MPI). With respect to the long-term goal of future commercial exploitation, we will explore patenting options and thoroughly assess the demand for such high quality biogenic MNP. It is envisioned that our idea will revolutionize the biomedical MNP-market by opening it for the wealth of genetically tailored and highly functionalized bacterial MNP, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dirk Schüler