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Published on: May 3, 2024
Jammed interconnected bilayer emulsions as 3D-printable biological tissue mimics
Aida Fica1, McKayla Torbett-Dougherty2, Samuel West3
1Fariborz Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
Nature Materials
|July 17, 2026
Summary
We developed jammed interconnected bilayer emulsions (JIBEs), scalable tissue-like materials. These functionalized JIBEs mimic biological tissues and enable applications in computing, energy, and engineering.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Biological tissues exhibit complex organizational structures and properties.
- Existing biomaterials often lack macroscopic scalability and precise functional control.
- Developing scalable, tunable, tissue-mimicking materials is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce jammed interconnected bilayer emulsions (JIBEs) as a novel class of tissue-like materials.
- To demonstrate the macroscopic scalability and rapid self-assembly of JIBEs.
- To showcase the functionalization potential of JIBEs with nanochannels for specific applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a self-assembly method to generate JIBEs from various amphiphiles (lipids, block copolymers).
- Investigated the jammed architecture and 3D printability of JIBEs.
- Functionalized JIBEs with distinct ion channels to demonstrate tunable conductance, selective transport, and memristance.
Main Results:
- Achieved decilitre-scale volumes of JIBEs within minutes.
- Demonstrated direct extrusion 3D printability of JIBEs into aqueous environments.
- Successfully imparted tunable ion transport and memristive properties to JIBEs via nanochannel incorporation.
Conclusions:
- JIBEs represent a scalable, adaptable platform for creating tissue-like materials.
- Functionalized JIBEs offer unique properties for diverse technological applications.
- Potential applications include separations, energy storage, neuromorphic computing, and soft robotics.
