A universal surface functionalization technique to chemically enhance live microbial cells (opens in new tab)

Microbial surface functionalization is a powerful strategy for endowing microbes with novel, non-genetic functions. However, existing methods are often species-specific, limited in scope, and compromise cell viability. Here, we present a universal and modular platform for high-density, reproducible surface functionalization across diverse microbial species—including Gram-positive, Gram-negative, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria—using multiple molecular classes such as fluorophores, enzymes, an...