Multipurpose bacteria

2001/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

According to scientists at the A&M University of Texas, bacteria in the human intestine Escherichia coli can be used to detect chemicals present in the environment, to move drugs to specific sites or as tiny turbines. To detect chemicals and get food, E. coli bacteria have a kind of biosensor.

However, according to studies, adding a protein to the bacteria can alter sensor behavior. This system allows the receptors of E. coli bacteria to be able to know any chemical molecule. On the other hand, the transport of the load to a certain place by the bacteria means overcoming a big problem: how to apply the load.

According to studies, one of the solutions is the use of bacteriophages. Finally, bacteria can also be useful in nanoflujos. Due to the small size of the pipes, flow drive pumps are often damaged by the excessive pressure they generate. To avoid this, the researchers have proposed using the electric motor of the scourge of E. coli as a turbine, which propelled the scourge.