Researchers Recode Bacteria DNA for Containment and Controlled Use

Researchers have found a way to contain genetically modified organisms should they ever leak into the wild.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) like reengineered bacteria and viruses, are used in controlled conditions but concerns over their escape into the wild and the consequences of it is ever present. In a bid to address these concerns, researchers modified organisms to peg their survival on artificial or synthetic amino acids. In other words, the modified organisms cannot survive on natural a 'feed', BBC reported.

"This is a significant improvement over existing bio-containment approaches for genetically modified organisms. This work establishes important safeguards for organisms in agricultural settings, and more broadly, for their use in environmental bioremediation and even in medical therapies," said professor Farren Isaacs of Yale University who led the study, in a news release.

Researchers recoded the DNA strain of bacteria to make their survival incumbent on synthetic amino acids not found in nature. They also recoded bacteria to thrive on synthetic amino acids found only in specific environments. By doing so researchers hope they can effectively use GMO in the real world, without concern or side effects.

"As synthetic biology leads to the emergence of more sophisticated GMOs to address these grand challenges, we must assume a proactive role in establishing safe and efficacious solutions for biotechnology, similar to those who worked to secure the Internet in the 1990s." Isaacs said.