Genetically engineered microbes commonly manufacture our vitamins and amino acid supplements, but can they be supplements themselves? Zbiotics has developed genetically engineered bacteria that may help to metabolize the residues of alcohol consumption, altering the accumulation of the compounds that lead to next-day malaise—commonly known as a hangover.
These microbes are consumed as a probiotic, fortifying the digestive system with a means to break down deleterious metabolites. On this episode of Talking Biotech, plant scientist Kevin Folta sits down with Zack Abbott, CEO of San Francisco-based startup Zbiotics, to discuss the technology, and how this “proudly GMO” product could influence consumer views of biotechnology.
Zack Abbott is the founder and CEO of ZBiotics. He holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of Michigan. Follow ZBiotics on Twitter @ZBioticsCompany
Kevin M. Folta is a professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. Follow professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta and email your questions to [email protected]
The Talking Biotech podcast, produced by Kevin Folta, is available for listening or subscription:
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