Programmable Semi-Interpenetrating Living Materials With Robust Stability for Versatile Bioremediation and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Engineered living materials (ELMs) face challenges in fabrication and stability.
• Current ELMs have limited tolerance to harsh environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel semi-interpenetrating engineered living material (ELM).
• To enhance the stability and mechanical properties of ELMs.
• To validate ELM applications in biotherapy and environmental remediation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a semi-interpenetrating network using hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) and protein interactions.
• Encapsulation of engineered bacteria within the ELM.
• Assessment of mechanical properties, stability under harsh conditions (temperature, pH, salinity, digestive fluids), and application efficacy.

Main Results:

• The semi-interpenetrating ELM exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to HBC hydrogels.
• The ELM demonstrated enhanced tolerance to extreme temperatures, pH, salinity, and digestive fluids.
• Validated applications include improved ulcerative colitis treatment with enhanced biosafety and effective degradation of paraoxon.
• The ELM showed improved therapeutic efficacy and pollutant degradation compared to planktonic bacteria or enzymes.

Conclusions:

• A novel, stable, and mechanically robust semi-interpenetrating ELM was successfully developed.
• The ELM offers simple preparation, customizability, and excellent biosafety.
• This material provides a foundation for advanced applications of ELMs in biotherapy and environmental remediation.