Environmentally friendly bacillus subtilis strains for enhanced protein production
Innovative Bacillus subtilis strains engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 for high-yield protein production without antibiotic markers. Features plasmid-less, stable producer strains with multicopy genes, ideal for industrial microbiology applications.
Overview
This solution offers an advanced approach to protein production using Bacillus subtilis, a GRAS organism known for its high enzyme secretion capabilities. By leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we have developed an environmentally friendly method to create plasmid-less, marker-free B. subtilis strains with multiple gene copies. These engineered strains achieve high protein yields comparable to those obtained with high copy-number vectors, but without the associated antimicrobial resistance issues. This innovation is ideal for applications in industrial microbiology where sustainable and efficient production processes are paramount.
Technical specifications
- CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genomic multigene insertion: Enables the integration of up to three copies of a gene into the B. subtilis genome.
- Colorimetric high-throughput screening: Identifies multicopy clones efficiently, ensuring stable and high-yield protein production.
- Plasmid-less and marker-free: Avoids the use of antibiotic markers, enhancing environmental sustainability.
- Genome-based modifications: Tailors the microbial chassis for improved recombinant protein production.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it has been experimentally validated in a laboratory environment. Future development efforts are focused on further refining the B. subtilis chassis to enhance its capabilities as a microbial cell factory for recombinant proteins.
About Universitat de Barcelona
The Universitat de Barcelona is a large, comprehensive public research university with an urban footprint across the city and a strong international profile. Industry connects through a university‑affiliated science and technology park that co‑locates companies with academic groups, providing shared labs, prototyping and pilot‑scale facilities, and on‑site incubation. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with leading teaching hospitals, and proximity to Barcelona’s innovation districts and global transport links supports collaboration with multinational R&D teams. Research is backed by competitive European Union programs and Spanish and Catalan public funding, and a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and collaboration agreements.
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