Engineering a living biomaterial via bacterial surface capture of environmental molecules
Abstract
Synthetic biology holds significant potential in biomaterials science as synthetically engineered cells can produce new biomaterials, or alternately, can function as living components of new biomaterials. Here, we describe the creation of a new biomaterial that incorporates living bacterial constituents that interact with their environment using engineered surface display. We first developed a gene construct that enabled simultaneous expression of cytosolic mCherry and a surface-displayed, catalytically active enzyme capable of covalently bonding with benzylguanine (BG) groups. We then created a functional living material within a microfluidic channel using these genetically engineered cells. The material forms when engineered cells covalently bond to ambient BG-modified molecules upon induction. Given the wide range of materials amenable to functionalization with BG-groups, our system provides a proof-of-concept for the sequestration and assembly of BG-functionalized molecules on a fluid-swept, living biomaterial surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1093/synbio/ysy017
Entities
People
- Felicia Y Scott
- Keith C. Heyde
- Maryjoe K. Rice
- Warren C Ruder
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Carnegie Mellon University
- National Science Foundation
- Office of Naval Research
- University of Pittsburgh
- Virginia Tech