Biosensors for short-chain fatty acids in plant-based fermentation products
Engineered Bacillus subtilis biosensor strains for rapid detection of short-chain fatty acids (acetic, lactic, butyric, propionic, and malic acids) in plant-based fermentation products. These live bacterial sensors use fluorescence or colorimetric readouts to enable quick, simple analysis of key postbiotic metabolites linked to gut health.
Overview
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key postbiotic metabolites produced during plant-based fermentation and are recognized for their role in supporting a healthy gut. Despite their importance, no simple and quick technique currently exists for measuring SCFA levels in plant-based fermentation products. This solution offers a library of engineered biosensor strains based on the beneficial bacterium Bacillus subtilis, designed to rapidly detect and quantify multiple SCFA types in fermentation samples. By providing a straightforward detection protocol, the technology enables producers, quality control teams, and researchers to assess the postbiotic profile of fermented plant products with speed and ease.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Live bacterial biosensors built on Bacillus subtilis, a well-characterized probiotic bacterium
- Engineered regulatory proteins that sense specific SCFAs in a dose-dependent manner
- Fluorescence-based and colorimetric readouts for straightforward detection
- Detection targets include acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, and malic acid
Key advantages:
- Simple, quick protocol compared to conventional analytical methods
- Ability to detect multiple SCFA types using a collection of different sensor strains
- Based on previously published mechanistic research characterizing SCFA-sensing proteins in B. subtilis
- Expandable platform: future development will extend detection to additional SCFAs and other probiotic metabolites
Technology readiness level
The underlying biosensing mechanism has been validated through published studies demonstrating that the sensor proteins respond to different SCFA types using a colorimetric assay. Fluorescence-based biosensor strains for selected SCFAs are currently under construction. The next phase involves proof-of-principle testing on real plant-based fermentation products, applying the biosensor collection to measure acetic, lactic, butyric, propionic, and malic acid levels. Ongoing development aims to broaden the detection range to cover additional SCFAs and probiotic metabolites.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private, comprehensive R1 research university based in Boston with a global campus network. Its century-old cooperative education model integrates full-time, paid placements with academic study, enabling companies to access vetted talent and long-term pipelines worldwide. Industry collaboration is supported by a suburban innovation campus offering test beds, secure labs, and fee-for-use core facilities, alongside co-located partner spaces. The university attracts competitive federal research funding from agencies such as the NSF and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation for corporate partnerships.
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