The field of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) is a rapidly growing area that leverages synthetic biology design principles to harness the programmability and manufacturing capabilities of living cells to create functional materials. ELMs research aims to integrate life-like properties into materials and develop new functionalities that are not found in natural or synthetic materials. Several ELMs have been developed in recent years to demonstrate various functions such as adhesion, catalysis, mineralization, remediation, wound healing, and therapeutics.
One of the challenges in ELMs research has been the rational modulation of mechanical properties to a wide range through genetic programming. In response to this challenge, researchers have introduced an ELM called MECHS (Mechanically Engineered Living Material with Compostability, Healability, and Scalability). MECHS exhibits plastic-like stretchability, mechanical tunability, and skin-like healability. It is fabricated from a combination of whole E. coli cells and engineered recombinant curli nanofibers.
Advances in biomanufacturing are crucial at a time when human-made materials outweigh all living biomass on Earth. The linear materials economy of make-use-dispose for synthetic materials has led to pollution and global warming. Bio-based manufacturing offers a more sustainable solution inspired by natural systems that use sustainable feedstocks and energy-efficient processes.
In previous work, a bioplastic known as AquaPlastic was developed from recombinant protein nanofibers produced by E. coli. However, AquaPlastic had limitations in terms of brittleness and scalability. The MECHS material is a significant improvement over AquaPlastic, offering higher yields, improved mechanical properties, and scalability. The introduction of glycerol as a plasticizer in MECHS films enhances their flexibility and mechanical properties.
Genetic engineering of curli nanof
