Bacteria may be used to cure cancer

Bacterial Robotics, a developer in the synthetic biology industry, is planning to start Phase 1 trial of a project in Bangalore that aims to use bacteria to treat tumors and cancers.

The company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio (the US), specialises in identifying markets for developing and deploying BactoBots and ViruBots—microscopic organism-based robots that can produce, build, sense and perform functions.

The project is at a nascent stage now and it will take at least two to three months for the company before it can start with its Phase 1 trial in the city.

Last week, the company’s representatives demonstrated its latest technology for water purification using bacteria in the city. “Bacterial Robotics has come up with a new technology where it is using bacteria to convert waste water to drinking water and in the process generate electricity. Thus this technology can be used for dual benefit,” said Kumaresh Krishnamurthy, director of Dr Kumaresh ENT Clinic and senior visiting faculty, Apollo Hospital.

The company has applied for International Property Right for this technology. “The organisation is planning to use the same technology of power generation to treat cancerous or benign tumors,” said Krishnamurthy.