Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions related to lectin-coated bacteria of any kind and the imparted activity of being resistant to one or more antibacterial agents and or environmental conditions. In at least some cases, lectin-coated bacteria are utilized to improve a microbiome in a subject. The lectin-coated bacteria may also be employed for uptake into cells, including eukaryotic cells such as mammalian cells.