Photosynthesis-assisted remodeling of three-dimensional printed structures

Abstract

The mechanical properties of engineering structures continuously weaken during service life because of material fatigue or degradation. By contrast, living organisms are able to strengthen their mechanical properties by regenerating parts of their structures. For example, plants strengthen their cell structures by transforming photosynthesis-produced glucose into stiff polysaccharides. In this work, we realize hybrid materials that use photosynthesis of embedded chloroplasts to remodel their microstructures. These materials can be used to three-dimensionally (3D)-print functional structures, which are endowed with matrix-strengthening and crack healing when exposed to white light. The mechanism relies on a 3D-printable polymer that allows for an additional cross-linking reaction with photosynthesis-produced glucose in the material bulk or on the interface. The remodeling behavior can be suspended by freezing chloroplasts, regulated by mechanical preloads, and reversed by environmental cues. This work opens the door for the design of hybrid synthetic-living materials, for applications such as smart composites, lightweight structures, and soft robotics.

Engineering Bacillus subtilis for the formation of a durable living biocomposite material

“…Engineered living materials (ELMs) are therefore a new and fast-growing area of research that combines approaches in synthetic biology and material sciences [1][2][3][4] . The fabrication of most ELMs, however, has so far largely relied on physical methods for incorporating a living component in an external material [4][5][6][7] . Engineering of 'truly' living materials where the living component actively facilitates material fabrication and organization is much more challenging.…”

Engineered Living Hydrogels

“…used localized light exposure to adjust the glucose production of chloroplasts, thereby controlling the local reinforcement and repair of hydrogels (Figure 9c). [ 172 ]…”

Bioinspired 3D Printing of Functional Materials by Harnessing Enzyme‐Induced Biomineralization

“…[ 2,8 ] Specifically, biomimetic mineralization has generated composite structures that resemble or even outperform their natural counterparts, where non‐living polymer backbones (i.e., synthetic polymers, polysaccharides, and proteins) are used as scaffolds for biomineralization. [ 1,9 ] Living microorganisms, such as bacteria, [ 5,7,10 ] embryonic primary mesenchyme cells, [ 11 ] microalgae, [ 12 ] fungal cells, [ 13,14 ] chloroplasts, [ 15 ] and lysozyme, [ 16,17 ] have been harnessed to produce minerals in a spatiotemporally‐patterned manner. These 3D printed architectures with microorganism‐assisted mineralization could not only mimic the highly‐organized and time‐evolving biological structures, but also enable their new utilities as functional materials and devices.…”