Development of a diatom-based edible vaccine for cross-protection against Salmonella in poultry to mitigate human foodborne illness

Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illness and a major concern for both public health and the food industry. Mitigating Salmonella is challenging because poultry, swine, and cattle frequently carry the bacteria asymptomatically, serving as hidden reservoirs that continuously spread contamination throughout farms and processing facilities. With increasing restrictions on antibiotics and stricter food safety rules, there is a growing need for new ways to prevent the spread of Salmonella.Vaccination is a promising strategy, but most current vaccines only protect against one or a few of the thousands of Salmonella serotypes that can cause illness in humans. To address this issue, this project will develop a feed-based vaccine utilizing diatoms -- microscopic algae that can be engineered to produce Salmonella proteins shared across multiple serotypes. Chickens will be vaccinated through regular feed supplemented with these algae, offering a safe, low-cost, and easy-to-use alternative to traditional injections.This innovative approach aims to reduce Salmonella in poultry, improve food safety, and support a more efficient and antibiotic-free poultry industry.