In a major technological advancement, microbes, which are crucial for medical and agricultural purposes, often struggle to survive harsh processing conditions, hindering their effectiveness. In a breakthrough study, engineers at MIT have devised a method to bolster the resilience of these microbes, potentially revolutionising their applications.

Published in Nature Materials, the research focuses on enhancing the stability of various microbes, including probiotics and bacteria used in agriculture. By incorporating FDA-approved additives deemed safe for consumption, the team identified formulations that shield microbes from intense temperatures, radiation, and industrial processes that typically degrade them.

"We aimed to stabilize organisms for extreme conditions across various applications, including space missions, human health, and agriculture," explained Giovanni Traverso, senior author and associate professor at MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Led by Miguel Jimenez, now an assistant professor at Boston University, the team experimented with different microbes, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Saccharomyces boulardii, to develop robust formulations. They discovered that certain combinations of additives, like caffeine and melibiose, significantly prolonged the viability of these microbes under stress.

"Our findings demonstrate that these formulations not only protect microbes during storage but also maintain their functionality," said Jimenez, highlighting their potential to combat conditions like traveller’s diarrhoea and enhance plant growth through nitrogen fixation.

The study included rigorous tests, including exposure to high radiation levels similar to those in space. Samples of these fortified microbes were recently returned from the International Space Station, where they underwent extensive evaluation to assess their durability under extreme environmental conditions.

"This research opens new avenues for using microbes in challenging environments, from space exploration to improving agricultural practices," concluded Traverso.

The project received funding from NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Space Center Houston, and support from MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, reflecting a collaborative effort across scientific disciplines.