Scientists in the US have devised new methods of developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to make them dependent on artificial nutrients for growth.
The approaches could make the use of GMOs safer, particularly in open environments where they have the potential to spread.
GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a laboratory.
They are used in a range of practical applications, including the production of drugs, fuels.
However, because of the dangers posed by the organisms, strong containment measures must be put in place when they are being used, particularly in the open - like for example for the bioremediation of contaminated land.
Amino acids are the building blocks of life and the new methods of building the GMOs involve reprogramming the genome of the organisms so that they can only survive if synthetically produced amino acids are present.
If the synthetic amino acids are unavailable, the modified organisms are unable to use alternative nutrients in their place and also appear resistant to mutations that improve survival in the wild.
The methods, details of which are published in Nature, also result in the GMOs becoming resistant to multiple viruses.
As a result, the authors say, the techniques will be attractive to industry as they combine productivity and safety.
