(3aq) Biofabrication of Bacteria-Based Biohybrid Devices and Self-Folded 3D Hydrogels | AIChE

(3aq) Biofabrication of Bacteria-Based Biohybrid Devices and Self-Folded 3D Hydrogels

Authors 

Fernandes, R. - Presenter, Università degli Studi di Trento


Biofabrication
involves the use of biological or bioactive elements as building blocks to
manufacture advanced biological models, therapeutic products and non-medical
biological systems. In this work, we describe the use of biofabrication in
constructing bacteria-based biohybrid devices for diagnostics and therapeutics
and in creating self-folded, three-dimensional hydrogels for cell and tissue
engineering. Bacteria are ideal candidates for use in diagnostics and therapeutics
on account of their small sizes, their ability to respond to stimuli, convert
chemical energy to motion, swim and grow naturally in inaccessible regions of
the body as well as their ability to be genetically engineered to produce
products of interest or exhibit desired characteristics. Recent advances in
micro/nanofabrication technologies have resulted in the generation of
particles, structures and devices for use in diagnostics and therapeutics. This
work describes the interfacing of bacteria with micro/nano particles,
structures or devices to construct biohybrid devices that combine the
advantages of both bacteria and the devices. The utility of the bacteria-based
biohybrid devices in diagnostic and therapeutic applications will be presented.
In nature, cells and tissues exist in precise 3D shapes and geometries that
dictate their function. A few techniques exist for patterning cells and tissues
in 3D. Of these, hydrogels are particularly attractive on account of their high
water content, ease of diffusion of oxygen, nutrients, waste and soluble
factors and they can be synthesized to be biocompatible. This work will
describe the creation of self-folded 3D hydrogels and their utility in cell and
tissue engineering.