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Programmable Assembly of Mechanically Robust and Functional Polymer-Spore Biocomposites in Organic Solvent.

Masamu Kawada¹, Ziyu Cui², Justin Chen¹

¹Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|October 21, 2025

Summary

Researchers created strong, tunable microbial biocomposites using Bacillus subtilis spores and functionalized polymers. This breakthrough enhances mechanical properties while retaining biological functions for advanced applications.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Synthetic Biology
Biotechnology

Background:

Microbial biocomposites offer unique regenerative and programmable functionalities.
Current limitations in mechanical tunability hinder their broader application, primarily due to the need for mild biological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a modular platform for creating mechanically robust and genetically programmable microbial biocomposites.
To overcome the limitations of mechanical tunability in biocomposites by utilizing spore-polymer self-assembly.

Main Methods:

Programmable self-assembly of Bacillus subtilis spores with benzalcyanoacetate (BCA)-functionalized polymers.
Utilizing surface-exposed cysteines on spores to form dynamic thia-Michael networks.
Systematic variation of BCA reactivity and polymer dynamics to control composite properties.

Main Results:

Formation of robust biocomposites with tunable viscoelastic and tensile properties, Young's moduli exceeding 100 MPa.
Demonstrated control over stiffness, stress-relaxation, morphology, and covalent biocontainment.
Incorporation of engineered spores provided regenerable catalytic function after solvent-triggered disassembly.

Conclusions:

Established a modular platform for constructing biocomposites with both mechanical and genetic programmability.
Bridged synthetic and biological domains through molecularly defined interfaces.
Paved the way for advanced materials with tailored properties and integrated biological functions.