Emily Qi Rose Hills
An Alternative Transformation Method For Anaerobic Bacteria
Anaerobic bacteria play critical roles in human health, yet they are notoriously difficult to genetically manipulate due to their sensitivity to oxygen, thick cell walls, and defense mechanisms against foreign DNA. Traditional transformation techniques like electroporation often fail in these non-model species, limiting our ability to study and engineer them. Our research explores a promising alternative: using sepiolite, a naturally occurring clay with a needle-like structure, to physically deliver DNA into bacterial cells. When combined with positively charged molecules, sepiolite can bind DNA and pierce cells when applied to agar plates. While this method shows potential, it remains untested in anaerobic bacteria. My project will focus on identifying optimal conditions for sepiolite-mediated transformation in anaerobes, with the goal of enabling new ways to study and engineer these important but understudied microbes.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you for supporting my summer research project. I am excited to explore ways we can create new capabilities in science, and your generosity has helped make it possible for me to pursue this work. This funding not only supports my growth but also helps advance the broader scientific community’s impact!