FIGURE 3.

Probiotics can be engineered with improved functionalities to inhibit pathogens. (A) Receptors wired to a genetic circuit capable of providing an easily measurable response can act as biosensors to detect and even quantitate pathogens presence. (B) Secretion of bacteriocins and lytic enzymes can be programed into favorable strains to degrade biofilms and allowing specific killing of pathogenic microbes. (C) Engineering expression of pathogens surface markers on harmless probiotic strains can provide for vaccination to increase immunity against pathogens. (D) Expression of receptors for bacterial toxins can allow a probiotic to act as a biological vacuum to neutralize toxins and reduce tissue damage from infection. Additionally, probiotic strains can be programmed to secrete quorum sensor antagonists to reduce expression of virulence factors. Figure constructed using Biorender.