Stretchable living materials and devices with hydrogel–elastomer hybrids hosting programmed cells
Abstract
The integration of genetically programmed cells into materials and devices will enable the power of biology to be harnessed for a wide range of scientific research and technological applications. Here, we use stretchable, robust, and biocompatible hydrogel–elastomer hybrids to host genetically programed bacteria, thus creating a set of stretchable and wearable living materials and devices that possesses unprecedented functions and capabilities. A quantitative yet generic model is further developed to account for the coupled physical and biochemical processes in living materials and devices. This simple strategy for designing living materials and devices not only provides tools for research in synthetic biology but also, enables applications, such as living sensors, interactive genetic circuits, and living wearable devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1618307114
Entities
People
- Eléonore Tham
- Hyunwoo Yuk
- Shaoting Lin
- Timothy K. Lu
- Tzu-chieh Tang
- Xinyue Liu
- Xuanhe Zhao
Organizations
- Division of Civil, Mechanical & Manufacturing Innovation
- Division of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- National Institutes of Health
- Office of Naval Research Global