Journal
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
Volume 16, Issue 2, Pages 126-+Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/s41589-019-0412-5
Keywords
-
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
3D printing agarose hydrogels embedded with Bacillus subtilis spores produce custom-shaped materials that are resistant to environmental stresses, while the bacteria maintain the ability to germinate on the surface and respond to stimuli. Materials can be made multifunctional by embedding them with living cells that perform sensing, synthesis, energy production, and physical movement. A challenge is that the conditions needed for living cells are not conducive to materials processing and require continuous water and nutrients. Here, we present a three dimensional (3D) printer that can mix material and cell streams to build 3D objects. Bacillus subtilis spores were printed within the material and germinated on its exterior surface, including spontaneously in new cracks. The material was resilient to extreme stresses, including desiccation, solvents, osmolarity, pH, ultraviolet light, and gamma-radiation. Genetic engineering enabled the bacteria to respond to stimuli or produce chemicals on demand. As a demonstration, we printed custom-shaped hydrogels containing bacteria that can sense or kill Staphylococcus aureus, a causative agent of infections. This work demonstrates materials endued with living functions that can be used in applications that require storage or exposure to environmental stresses.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available