Biofabrication: using biological materials and biocatalysts to construct nanostructured assemblies

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Growing demands for next-generation microelectronics, high-throughput drug screening, and biocompatible implantable devices necessitate advanced fabrication methods.
• Traditional microfabrication techniques face limitations in meeting these emerging requirements.
• Biofabrication, integrating biological materials and biocatalysts, offers a promising alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of biofabrication in addressing the challenges of modern device fabrication.
• To highlight the use of biological materials and enzymes in creating micro- and nanoscale devices.
• To identify the key factors for the widespread adoption of biofabrication.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in combining traditional microfabrication with biofabrication techniques.
• Analysis of the use of biologically derived materials as process aids and structural components.
• Evaluation of enzymes as biocatalysts for selective device fabrication under mild conditions.

Main Results:

• Biofabrication enables the incorporation of sensitive biological components into microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
• Enzymes offer high selectivity and mild processing conditions for device fabrication.
• Biological materials are being utilized as both process aids and structural elements in fabrication.

Conclusions:

• Biofabrication is a rapidly developing field with the potential to meet the demands of advanced device fabrication.
• Eliminating incompatibilities between biological systems and microfabrication processes is crucial for its success.
• Biofabrication is poised to become the standard for nanoscale construction if these challenges are overcome.