Aquaculture is the globe’s fastest growing food production sector. Diseases are a primary constraint to the culture of many aquatic species and as a result, there is widespread use of anti-microbial veterinary medicines across the globe. The medicines pose a threat to human health because of the possible emergence of resistant strains and the transfer of resistant bacteria to people. The proposed technology is most suitable to treat or prevent bacterial infections (e.g. Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease) in aquaculture settings (e.g., shrimp, oyster, clam, and fish farms) as an effective and safe antibacterial bio-treatment.
Our solution
A genetically engineered non-pathogenic marine bacterium, comprising a gene cluster encoding an antibacterial molecular weapon (type VI secretion system) and a customizable toxin arsenal. The system is customizable and is designed to be activated by specific external signals (e.g., the presence of specific pathogens) to kill neighboring Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.
Stage of Development
A POC prototype bacterium that activates its antibacterial activity upon induction by adding the sugar arabinose is available and functional in eliminating competing pathogenic bacteria in vitro.
Intellectual Property
Ramot filed a provisional patent application titled: ENGINEERED PROTEIN DELIVERY PLATFORM AND USE THEREOF FOR ANTIBACTERIAL TREATMENTS.