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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Three-dimensional Patterning of Engineered Biofilms with a Do-it-yourself Bioprinter
Published on: May 16, 2019
Large scale dielectrophoretic construction of biofilms using textile technology
Zurina Z Abidin1, Les Downes, Gerard H Markx
1School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, P.O. Box 88, Manchester, M60 1QD, United Kingdom.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|October 21, 2006
Summary
Researchers developed a novel woven microelectrode cloth for AC electrokinetic experiments. This flexible material enables large-scale cell collection and biofilm construction using dielectrophoresis (DEP) in low conductivity media.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Electrokinetics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Traditional microelectrode fabrication methods like photolithography are limited in scale and flexibility.
- AC electrokinetics, particularly dielectrophoresis (DEP), offers precise control over particle manipulation.
- Developing scalable and adaptable platforms for cell manipulation and biofilm formation is crucial for various biological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a novel, flexible microelectrode array using a woven fabric structure.
- To demonstrate the utility of this woven microelectrode array for cell collection and model biofilm construction in low conductivity media.
- To explore the potential of this technique for large-scale applications and biofilms with defined internal architectures.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microelectrode arrays by weaving stainless steel wires (weft) and polyester yarn (warp) in a plain weave pattern.
- Utilizing AC electrokinetics and dielectrophoresis (DEP) for cell collection in low conductivity media.
- Construction of model biofilms using yeast and Micrococcus luteus, with polyethylenimine (PEI) as a flocculating agent.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of a flexible, woven microelectrode cloth.
- Demonstrated efficient cell collection in low conductivity media via DEP.
- Successfully constructed model biofilms with distinct layers of yeast and M. luteus.
- Showcased the potential for large-scale biofilm construction with defined internal architectures.
Conclusions:
- The woven microelectrode cloth provides a scalable and flexible alternative to traditional photolithographic methods for biofilm formation.
- This technique enables the creation of complex, multi-layered biofilms with precise control over their architecture.
- The adaptable nature of the woven material allows for integration into various experimental setups and potential applications beyond microfluidics.
