Engineered Bacteria as Living Biosensors in Dermal Tattoos

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Biomedical engineering
• Biosensor technology

Background:

• Dermal tattoo biosensors offer real-time biomarker monitoring via the skin.
• Conventional tattoo sensors use small molecules, limiting sensitivity and functionality.
• Engineered bacteria present opportunities for advanced, sensitive biosensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate engineered bacteria as living biosensors into dermal tattoos.
• To demonstrate the sensing capabilities of bacterial biosensors within a tattoo format.
• To establish a foundation for bacterial living analytics in tattoo biosensors.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulating engineered bacteria into micron-scale hydrogel beads using microfluidics.
• Developing biosensors capable of detecting biochemical (model biomarkers) and biophysical (temperature) cues.
• Utilizing fluorescent readouts for biosensor activity.
• Tattooing hydrogel beads into skin models to assess post-tattooing functionality.

Main Results:

• Successful encapsulation of engineered bacteria into hydrogel beads.
• Demonstrated sensing of model biomarkers and temperature changes by the bacterial biosensors.
• Confirmed viability and sensing activity of the tattooed bacterial biosensors in skin models.
• Established the feasibility of using bacteria as living biosensing entities in tattoos.

Conclusions:

• Engineered bacteria can be effectively integrated into tattoo biosensors.
• This approach enables sensitive detection of various cues with potential for advanced functionalities.
• The study provides a foundation for developing next-generation living tattoo biosensors for real-time diagnostics.