Programmable Bacterial Biofilms as Engineered Living Materials

Biological substances like wood and bone demonstrate extraordinary characteristics of “living” features, such as the ability to self-grow, self-heal upon encountering damage, and sense and adapt to environmental changes. These attributes are crucial for their survival and adaptation in complex environments. In the field of material science, there is a growing interest in developing biomimetic materials that can self-monitor, adapt to environmental conditions, and self-repair when necessary. Such capabilities would extend the lifespan of materials and pave the way for intelligent applications. However, creating materials with autonomy and intelligence on par with biological systems remains a daunting challenge. In this context, synthetic biology offers a promising avenue. It not only allows for harnessing the inherent dynamic properties of living organisms but provides the possibility of imparting additional advanced functionalities beyond the reach of synthetic materials systems. This approach enables the integration of living cells into materials, providing them with naturally endowed or artificially designed traits. These innovative materials, known as Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), represent an emerging category of smart materials capable of autonomous functions, with applications varying from biomedicine to sustainable technology.