Hypothesis, and Specific Aims:
a) We hypothesize that there will be persistent stability of the NICE vector plasmid inside the Lactococcus lactis and the species itself, over changes in pH, temperature, and growth pressure, similar to what is found in rumen.
B. Measuring growth in variable temperature, pH, and microbial competition will show the stability of the Lactococcus lactis containing a Nisin Inducible Expression system (NICE).
C. Growing common enteric bacteria and pathogens along side the vector Lactococcus lactis, and isolating chloramphenicol microbes containing the plasmid, will illustrate the risk and rate of plasmid transfer.