Barcoded microbial system for high-resolution object provenance
Abstract
Under adverse environmental conditions, some microorganisms form spores that provide robust protection for genetic material. Qian et al. developed a system in which DNA barcodes are encapsulated inside nongerminating microbial spores and can be dispersed on objects or in the environment (see the Perspective by Nivala). These barcoded spores provide a durable, specific marker that can be read out quickly with simple equipment. When applied to soil, the spores can be transferred to and from objects around them, enabling tracking at meter-scale resolution. On plant leaves, the spores are not readily transferred, and the authors demonstrate a potential use for tracking agricultural products.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aba5584
Entities
People
- Ahmad S Khalil
- Akhila Sonti
- Christopher P Mancuso
- David Z Rudner
- Fernando H Ramírez-Guadiana
- Giyoung Jung
- Han-Ying Jhuang
- Jason Qian
- Kole Sedlack
- Lior Artzi
- Lorena Lyon
- Mary E Pettit
- Michael Baym
- Michael Melfi
- Michael Springer
- Mohammad Arammash
- Pamela Silver
- Rocío Del Carmen Barajas-Ornelas
- Sarah A Boswell
- Siân V Owen
- Victoria Jones
- Zhi-xiang Lu
Organizations
- Boston University
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology