Autonomous Cargo Transport with Biohybrid Microswimmers Enabled by Light-Mediated Bacteria-Cargo Communication

Area of Science:

• Biomimetic microrobotics
• Synthetic biology
• Cellular communication

Background:

• Biohybrid microswimmers combine living cells and synthetic cargo for targeted delivery.
• Current biohybrids lack autonomous decision-making due to poor communication between components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer biohybrid microswimmers with self-regulating cargo pickup, transport, and release capabilities.
• To establish light-mediated communication between bacteria and synthetic cargo for autonomous control.

Main Methods:

• Genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to emit light signals in response to mercury ion (Hg²⁺) concentration.
• Functionalized small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) with photoswitchable proteins to detect bacterial light signals.
• Integrated bacterial chemotaxis towards Hg²⁺ with light-mediated communication for autonomous cargo handling.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated bacteria-SUV communication triggering autonomous biohybrid assembly and cargo pickup.
• Showcased bacteria-directed cargo transport towards low Hg²⁺ environments.
• Achieved cargo release upon cessation of light signaling in reduced Hg²⁺ concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Developed a novel biohybrid microswimmer system with autonomous cargo management.
• The modular design enables coordination between living and synthetic components for advanced microrobotic applications.
• This work paves the way for sophisticated microrobotic systems with coordinated synthetic and living elements.