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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials

Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials

Published on: March 9, 2017

[Controllable bio-fabrication based on microbes].

Xudian Shi¹, Gang Wang, Darning Wang

¹National Engineering Research Center for Nano-Medicine, College of Life Science & Technology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology Wuhan 430074, China.

Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao = Chinese Journal of Biotechnology

|September 26, 2009

Summary

Researchers developed novel methods to control living microbes for nano/micro-fabrication. These bio-fabrication techniques enable precise manipulation of microorganisms as building blocks for advanced materials and devices.

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Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials

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Bridging the Bio-Electronic Interface with Biofabrication

Bridging the Bio-Electronic Interface with Biofabrication

Published on: June 6, 2012

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Microfluidics

Background:

Microorganisms exhibit diverse nano- to micro-scale sizes, presenting potential as natural building blocks.
Current bio-manufacturing methods often lack direct control over living microbes, limiting their application.
The unique global functions and advantages of microbes are underutilized in fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish novel nano/micro bio-fabrication approaches for precise control of living microbes.
To enable the manipulation of microbes into micro-scaled patterns and oriented movement.
To utilize microbes as nano/micro robots for creating functional materials and devices.

Main Methods:

Development of a micro-fluidic control method for microbial manipulation.
Implementation of a magnetic control method for microbial manipulation.
Utilizing these methods to guide the self-assembly of living microbes.

Main Results:

Demonstrated successful manipulation of living microbes using micro-fluidic and magnetic control.
Achieved the formation of micro-scaled patterns with oriented microbial movement.
Established a foundation for employing microbes as programmable nano/micro robots.

Conclusions:

Novel bio-fabrication methods allow for the precise control and patterning of living microbes.
Living microbes can be utilized as nano/micro robots, leveraging their biological functions.
These approaches are expected to facilitate the design and creation of novel functional materials and devices through controllable microbial self-assembly.