Biochip-Based Synthetic Microbial Biosensor for Rapid, Non-Invasive Monitoring and Detection of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, is constantly on the rise worldwide. The etiology of IBD is unknown, yet it is clear that the gut microbiome’s composition and function play a significant role in its pathogenesis. The diagnosis and monitoring of IBD is challenging and is currently based on a combination of invasive procedures along with expensive and complex imaging tests. Therefore, a new method, which conveys easy and rapid diagnosis, is needed.

Here we present a unique and innovative biochip system combining synthetic biology together with advanced micro-electronic systems for rapid, non-invasive, and highly sensitive detection and monitoring of IBD and personalized treatment.

The biochip technology is based on two main components: Synthetic bacteria that have been engineered to sense distinct signal molecules of interest and generate a cascade of processes leading to a quantifiable electric signal, and an electronic component for measuring and transmitting the electrochemical signal.

For electrochemical detection of the signal molecules, a synthetic substrate is hydrolyzed to an electroactive product which is then oxidized on the electrodes, generating an output current signal.

Here we demonstrate this technology’s ability to sense a variety of microbiome communication signals and their patterns in IBD patients’ fecal samples. Additionally, we show this technology’s capability to differentiate between specific IBD conditions and stages based on these biomarkers.

We strongly believe this technology will enable simple, reliable and non-invasive monitoring of IBD, and open new horizons towards personalized microbiome-based therapeutics.