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Living Kombucha Electronics with Proteinoids
Anna Nikolaidou1,2, Panagiotis Mougkogiannis1, Andrew Adamatzky1
1Unconventional Computing Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, U.K.
ACS Omega
|June 9, 2025
Summary
This study presents novel electroactive biofilms made from Kombucha cellulose and synthetic proteinoids. These hybrid materials enable sensing, computation, and adaptive bioelectronic behavior for future technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Bioengineering
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Kombucha cellulose mats offer a biocompatible scaffold.
- Synthetic thermal proteinoids can form proto-cell structures with electrical signaling capabilities.
- Developing bioelectronic materials is crucial for advanced technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create novel electroactive biofilms by combining Kombucha cellulose and synthetic proteinoids.
- To investigate the memristive and memfractance properties of these hybrid biofilms.
- To explore their potential for unconventional computing and bioinspired applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of proteinoids by heating amino acid mixtures.
- Fabrication of composite films integrating Kombucha cellulose and proteinoids.
- Characterization of electroactive and adaptive bioelectronic properties.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated formation of electroactive biofilms with tunable memristive and memfractance properties.
- Showcased potential for sensing and computation using these hybrid materials.
- Confirmed the ability of composites to support cellular systems and exhibit adaptive bioelectronic behavior.
Conclusions:
- Kombucha-proteinoid composites represent a significant advancement in bioelectronic materials.
- These cross-kingdom biofilms bridge living and artificial systems for future technologies.
- Customizable synthesis and integration offer diverse application possibilities in bioinspired robotics and neural interfaces.
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