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Wang Q, Hu Z, Li Z, Liu T, Bian G. Exploring the Application and Prospects of Synthetic Biology in Engineered Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2305828. [PMID: 37677048 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
At the intersection of synthetic biology and materials science, engineered living materials (ELMs) exhibit unprecedented potential. Possessing unique "living" attributes, ELMs represent a significant paradigm shift in material design, showcasing self-organization, self-repair, adaptability, and evolvability, surpassing conventional synthetic materials. This review focuses on reviewing the applications of ELMs derived from bacteria, fungi, and plants in environmental remediation, eco-friendly architecture, and sustainable energy. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress and emerging design strategies for ELMs in various application fields from the perspectives of synthetic biology and materials science. In addition, the review provides valuable references for the design of novel ELMs, extending the potential applications of future ELMs. The investigation into the synergistic application possibilities amongst different species of ELMs offers beneficial reference information for researchers and practitioners in this field. Finally, future trends and development challenges of synthetic biology for ELMs in the coming years are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhehui Hu
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhixuan Li
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tiangang Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guangkai Bian
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Ali M, Cybulska J, Frąc M, Zdunek A. Application of polysaccharides for the encapsulation of beneficial microorganisms for agricultural purposes: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 244:125366. [PMID: 37327939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Intensive farming practices have increased the consumption of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers thereby creating health issues for humans and animals and also causing a deterioration in the natural ecosystem. The promotion of biomaterials synthesis could potentially lead to the replacement of synthetic products and improve soil fertility, protect plants from pathogen attacks, and enhance the productivity of the agricultural sector resulting in less environmental pollution. Microbial bioengineering involving the use and improvement of encapsulation using polysaccharides has the required potential to address environmental issues and promote green chemistry. This article describes various encapsulation techniques and polysaccharides which have an immense applicable capability to encapsulate microbial cells. The review elucidates the factors that may result in a reduced viable cell count during encapsulation, particularly using the spray drying method, where a high temperature is required to dry the suspension, this may damage the microbial cells. The environmental advantage of the application of polysaccharides as carriers of beneficial microorganisms, which do not pose a risk for soil due to their full biodegradability, was also shown. The encapsulated microbial cells may assist in addressing certain environmental problems such as ameliorating the unfavourable effects of plant pests and pathogens, and promoting agricultural sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Ali
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Justyna Cybulska
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Madgalena Frąc
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Zdunek
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lublin, Poland
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Huang F, Zhou S. A Review of Lightweight Self-Healing Concrete. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7572. [PMID: 36363161 PMCID: PMC9655941 DOI: 10.3390/ma15217572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cementitious composites often crack because of their low tensile strength. The ability of self-healing cementitious composite to automatically repair cracks has attracted widespread attention. Lightweight aggregate (LWA) has a low density and a high porosity which can provide storage space for a healing agent. The healing mechanisms and healing compositions of lightweight self-healing concrete (LWSHC) have been summarized in this research. The workability, compressive strength, crack repairing, and durability of LWSHC performance is also illustrated. A LWA with interconnected pores and a high strength should be integrated into LWSHC to increase the crack closure rate and mechanical properties. Expanded perlite is the most suitable LWA carrier for bioremediation. The chemical healing agents are better than the biological healing agents at present since the biological healing agents have more negative effects. A sodium silicate solution is a good choice as a chemical healing agent. Vacuum conditions, high-temperature processing, and the use of coating technologies on LWAs can improve the healing effect of LWSHC. The addition of fibers also enhance the self-healing ability of LWSHC. Further, the use of numerical simulation supports the healing performance of LWSHC. The goal of this research is to investigate the most appropriate component of LWSHC to ensure a high crack closure rate, strength healing ratio, and great durability while being lightweight. It can then be adopted in high-rise and large-span concrete structures to extend the service life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Huang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mountain Bridge and Tunnel Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
- School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
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Šovljanski O, Tomić A, Markov S. Relationship between Bacterial Contribution and Self-Healing Effect of Cement-Based Materials. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071399. [PMID: 35889117 PMCID: PMC9322135 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The civil research community has been attracted to self-healing bacterial-based concrete as a potential solution in the economy 4.0 era. This concept provides more sustainable material with a longer lifetime due to the reduction of crack appearance and the need for anthropogenic impact. Regardless of the achievements in this field, the gap in the understanding of the importance of the bacterial role in self-healing concrete remains. Therefore, understanding the bacterial life cycle in the self-healing effect of cement-based materials and selecting the most important relationship between bacterial contribution, self-healing effect, and material characteristics through the process of microbiologically (bacterially) induced carbonate precipitation is just the initial phase for potential applications in real environmental conditions. The concept of this study offers the possibility to recognize the importance of the bacterial life cycle in terms of application in extreme conditions of cement-based materials and maintaining bacterial roles during the self-healing effect.
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Danchin A. In vivo, in vitro and in silico: an open space for the development of microbe-based applications of synthetic biology. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:42-64. [PMID: 34570957 PMCID: PMC8719824 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Living systems are studied using three complementary approaches: living cells, cell-free systems and computer-mediated modelling. Progresses in understanding, allowing researchers to create novel chassis and industrial processes rest on a cycle that combines in vivo, in vitro and in silico studies. This design-build-test-learn iteration loop cycle between experiments and analyses combines together physiology, genetics, biochemistry and bioinformatics in a way that keeps going forward. Because computer-aided approaches are not directly constrained by the material nature of the entities of interest, we illustrate here how this virtuous cycle allows researchers to explore chemistry which is foreign to that present in extant life, from whole chassis to novel metabolic cycles. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Danchin
- Kodikos LabsInstitut Cochin24 rue du Faubourg Saint‐JacquesParis75014France
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6
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Production of proteins and commodity chemicals using engineered Bacillus subtilis platform strain. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:173-185. [PMID: 34028523 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20210011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Currently, increasing demand of biochemicals produced from renewable resources has motivated researchers to seek microbial production strategies instead of traditional chemical methods. As a microbial platform, Bacillus subtilis possesses many advantages including the generally recognized safe status, clear metabolic networks, short growth cycle, mature genetic editing methods and efficient protein secretion systems. Engineered B. subtilis strains are being increasingly used in laboratory research and in industry for the production of valuable proteins and other chemicals. In this review, we first describe the recent advances of bioinformatics strategies during the research and applications of B. subtilis. Secondly, the applications of B. subtilis in enzymes and recombinant proteins production are summarized. Further, the recent progress in employing metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies in B. subtilis platform strain to produce commodity chemicals is systematically introduced and compared. Finally, the major limitations for the further development of B. subtilis platform strain and possible future directions for its research are also discussed.
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Rivera-Tarazona LK, Campbell ZT, Ware TH. Stimuli-responsive engineered living materials. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:785-809. [PMID: 33410841 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01905d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials are able to undergo controllable changes in materials properties in response to external cues. Increasing efforts have been directed towards building materials that mimic the responsive nature of biological systems. Nevertheless, limitations remain surrounding the way these synthetic materials interact and respond to their environment. In particular, it is difficult to synthesize synthetic materials that respond with specificity to poorly differentiated (bio)chemical and weak physical stimuli. The emerging area of engineered living materials (ELMs) includes composites that combine living cells and synthetic materials. ELMs have yielded promising advances in the creation of stimuli-responsive materials that respond with diverse outputs in response to a broad array of biochemical and physical stimuli. This review describes advances made in the genetic engineering of the living component and the processing-property relationships of stimuli-responsive ELMs. Finally, the implementation of stimuli-responsive ELMs as environmental sensors, biomedical sensors, drug delivery vehicles, and soft robots is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Rivera-Tarazona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Impact of Bio-Carrier Immobilized with Marine Bacteria on Self-Healing Performance of Cement-Based Materials. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13184164. [PMID: 32961666 PMCID: PMC7560424 DOI: 10.3390/ma13184164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the self-healing efficiency and mechanical properties of mortar specimens incorporating a bio-carrier as a self-healing agent. The bio-carrier was produced by immobilizing ureolytic bacteria isolated from seawater in bottom ash, followed by surface coating with cement powder to prevent loss of nutrients during the mixing process. Five types of specimens were prepared with two methods of incorporating bacteria, and were water cured for 28 days. To investigate the healing ratio, the specimens with predefined cracks were treated by applying a wet–dry cycle in three different conditions, i.e., seawater, tap water, and air for 28 days. In addition, a compression test and a mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis of the specimens were performed to evaluate their physico-mechanical properties. The obtained results showed that the specimen incorporating the bio-carrier had higher compressive strength than the specimen incorporating vegetative cells. Furthermore, the highest healing ratio was observed in specimens incorporating the bio-carrier. This phenomenon could be ascribed by the enhanced bacterial viability by the bio-carrier.
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Nielsen SD, Paegle I, Borisov SM, Kjeldsen KU, Røy H, Skibsted J, Koren K. Optical Sensing of pH and O 2 in the Evaluation of Bioactive Self-Healing Cement. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:20237-20243. [PMID: 31815225 PMCID: PMC6893957 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b02541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Leakage from cementitious structures with a retaining function can have devastating environmental consequences. Leaks can originate from cracks within the hardened cementitious material that is supposed to seal the structure off from the surrounding environment. Bioactive self-healing concretes containing bacteria capable of microbially inducing CaCO3 precipitation have been suggested to mitigate the healing of such cracks before leaking occurs. An important parameter determining the biocompatibility of concretes and cements is the pH environment. Therefore, a novel ratiometric pH optode imaging system based on an inexpensive single-lens reflex (SLR) camera was used to characterize the pH of porewater within cracks of submerged hydrated oil and gas well cement. This enabled the imaging of pH with a spatial distribution in high resolution (50 μm per pixel) and a gradient of 1.4 pH units per 1 mm. The effect of fly ash substitution and hydration time on the pH of the cement surface was evaluated by this approach. The results show that pH is significantly reduced from pH >11 to below 10 with increasing fly ash content as well as hydration time. The assessment of bioactivity in the cement was evaluated by introducing superabsorbent polymers with encapsulated Bacillus alkalinitrilicus endospores into the cracks. The bacterial activity was measured using oxygen optodes, which showed the highest bacterial activity with increasing amounts of fly ash substitution in the cement, correlating with the decrease in the pH. Overall, our results demonstrate that the pH of well cements can be reliably measured and modified to sustain the microbial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Dollerup Nielsen
- Center
for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology,
Section for Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, and Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary
Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- E-mail: (S.D.N.)
| | - Ieva Paegle
- Department
of Civil Engineering, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sergey M. Borisov
- Institute
of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kasper Urup Kjeldsen
- Center
for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology,
Section for Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, and Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary
Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans Røy
- Center
for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology,
Section for Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, and Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary
Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Skibsted
- Center
for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology,
Section for Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, and Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary
Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Klaus Koren
- Center
for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology,
Section for Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, and Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary
Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- E-mail: (K.K.)
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