In vivo sensing of functional microbiome activity

We are developing a novel in-vivo sensing approach to measure functional microbiome activity directly in-vivo. The sensor uses genetically engineered mucins with predefined glycan structures as enzymatic substrates. Enzymatic removal of these glycan structures generates a measurable response that reflects localized microbial enzymatic activity.

This approach could provide functional information beyond conventional taxonomic microbiome profiling and enable new microbiome biomarkers and diagnostic tools. While the initial focus is on microbiomes associated with mucosal tissues, such as the gut microbiome, the principle could be extended to other microbiome environments, including the skin microbiome.

We are particularly interested in partners developing prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, medical foods and nutritional interventions, as well as organizations working on healthy aging and gut or skin microbiome applications. We aim to explore how functional microbiome sensing can support the development, validation and personalization of microbiome-targeted interventions.