MEET AIKUTE¹
Aikute is a genetically modified organism (GMO, for short).
Specifically, he is a
modified version of the Lactobacillus acidophilus you’ve met earlier.
We have created him from a bacteria that already aids us in our daily lives but we also taught him
a
new fancy trick: He now produces a protein called chitinase.
¹ : Aikute means “child” in the Xakriabá dialect. The Xakriabá are
indigenous
brazilians that have been struggling against helminthic infections and we decided to pay homage to their
plight.