Cell wall engineering of living bacteria through biosynthesis.

Cell wall precursors that have been modified at their peptide moiety were incorporated into the living bacterial cell wall. Using chemically synthesized bacterial cell wall precursors, a variety of compounds could be attached to the bacterial surface. Escherichia coli took the modified precursors into the cell wall after EDTA treatment, whereas lactobacilli took the compounds more effectively without EDTA treatment. Microscopic observation showed that the incorporated ketone moiety retained its reactivity. On the basis of this strategy, any compound can be displayed on the bacterial surface. This strategy for bacterial cell surface engineering will open the door for new technologies and therapies utilizing bacteria.