Harnessing Biological Systems
Abstract
The Harnessing Biological Systems program will explore fundamental approaches to applying the advantages of nature's building blocks and principles in the design of biological technologies and systems. Rather than creating biomimetic designs that imitate naturally evolved capabilities this program seeks to transition to a biocentric design approach, developing tools and understanding mechanisms to leverage evolutionary advances from the start. Key advances expected from this research include identifying approaches to discover and develop new classes of dynamic therapeutics for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. One example will be to identify the underlying mechanisms by which predatory bacteria prey upon and consume other antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are pathogenic to humans. This approach represents a significant departure from conventional antibacterial therapies that rely on small molecule antibiotics. Advances in this area may be applied to a range of biological technologies including the autonomous control of epidemics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 0efca8be7e65020b1b1b47e8a67c0eb8