Advances in the preparation and processing of microbial living materials
Living materials are a new category of materials that integrate living cells with an extracellular matrix,which can be either naturally derived or synthetically created.These innovative materials are distinguished by their abilities for self-replication,self-healing,and adaptation to environmental changes,properties that reflect the dynamic nature of living organisms.The field of living materials leverages the diversity of microorganisms combined with the targeted manipulation made possible through synthetic biology.This enables the customization of both biochemical and physical properties of the materials,opening up a wide array of potential applications in areas such as biomedicine,environmental remediation,and sustainable development.There are generally two methods to prepare living materials:The synthetic biology approach and the materials science approach.The first method takes advantage of the natural process of biofilm formation,where microorganisms secrete biological macromolecules to adhere to surfaces and assemble into complex structures.It can also involve the strategic aggregation of microorganisms,utilizing techniques like protein display to modify cell surfaces with complementary adhesive proteins.Advances in synthetic biology have expanded the toolkit for modifying these biological secretions,enhancing the materials with capabilities not found in nature.The second method involves encapsulating microorganisms within hydrogels or other inorganic materials,which provides a supportive environment that fosters microbial growth while enabling precise control over the biological functions of the material.The integration of inorganic nanoparticles,semiconductors,and electronic devices imparts a range of advanced functions to hybrid living materials.Processing techniques are essential to enable diverse applications of living materials.Molding is a straightforward,cost-effective,and efficient technology for mass manufacturing.It simplifies the production process of materials,reduces costs,and is the preferred solution for replicating complex structures on a large scale.Processing techniques such as microencapsulation and spinning have been developed to enhance the interface between microorganisms and their environment,creating materials with increased surface area for better functional performance.Microencapsulation techniques,including spray drying and microfluidics,produce micrometer-scale spherical materials,while spinning methods enable the fabrication of fibers that can be further processed into textiles and wearable devices.The emergence of 3D bioprinting represents a significant advancement,merging traditional 3D printing techniques with biological engineering to construct complex and functional biological devices.This approach utilizes living cells as bio-inks and necessitates the use of materials that support cell viability and function,challenging researchers to maintain optimal conditions throughout the printing process.The importance of structural design is emphasized in the optimization of functionality of living materials.The precise control over both micro-and macrostructural properties is crucial for optimizing nutrient transfer,compartmentalization,and communication among cells.Through examples and discussion of technological advancements,the vast potential for living materials in contributing to solutions in environmental sustainability,healthcare,and technology innovation is highlighted.Looking ahead,living materials hold the promise of transforming various sectors through the development of sustainable and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
living materialshydrogel3D printingsynthetic biology
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