Genetically engineered filamentous phage for bacterial detection using magnetic resonance imaging.

ABSTRACT: Detecting bacterial cells with high specificity in deep tissues is challenging. Optical probes provide specificity, but are limited by the scattering and absorption of light in biological tissues. Conversely, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows unfettered access to deep tissues, but lacks contrast agents for detecting specific bacterial strains. Here, we introduce a biomolecular platform that combines both capabilities by exploiting the modularity of M13 phage to target bacteria with tunable specificity and allow deep-tissue imaging using T₁-weighted MRI. We engineered two types of phage probes: one for detecting the phage's natural host, viz., F-pilus expressing E. coli; and the other for detecting a different (F-negative) bacterial target, V. choler

SUBMITTER: Borg RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10888512 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature