1
|
Kelly AR, Glover DJ. Information Transmission through Biotic-Abiotic Interfaces to Restore or Enhance Human Function. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3605-3628. [PMID: 38729914 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in reliable information transfer across biotic-abiotic interfaces have enabled the restoration of lost human function. For example, communication between neuronal cells and electrical devices restores the ability to walk to a tetraplegic patient and vision to patients blinded by retinal disease. These impactful medical achievements are aided by tailored biotic-abiotic interfaces that maximize information transfer fidelity by considering the physical properties of the underlying biological and synthetic components. This Review develops a modular framework to define and describe the engineering of biotic and abiotic components as well as the design of interfaces to facilitate biotic-abiotic information transfer using light or electricity. Delineating the properties of the biotic, interface, and abiotic components that enable communication can serve as a guide for future research in this highly interdisciplinary field. Application of synthetic biology to engineer light-sensitive proteins has facilitated the control of neural signaling and the restoration of rudimentary vision after retinal blindness. Electrophysiological methodologies that use brain-computer interfaces and stimulating implants to bypass spinal column injuries have led to the rehabilitation of limb movement and walking ability. Cellular interfacing methodologies and on-chip learning capability have been made possible by organic transistors that mimic the information processing capacity of neurons. The collaboration of molecular biologists, material scientists, and electrical engineers in the emerging field of biotic-abiotic interfacing will lead to the development of prosthetics capable of responding to thought and experiencing touch sensation via direct integration into the human nervous system. Further interdisciplinary research will improve electrical and optical interfacing technologies for the restoration of vision, offering greater visual acuity and potentially color vision in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Kelly
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dominic J Glover
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Myers B, Hill P, Rawson F, Kovács K. Enhancing Microbial Electron Transfer Through Synthetic Biology and Biohybrid Approaches: Part II : Combining approaches for clean energy. JOHNSON MATTHEY TECHNOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1595/205651322x16621070592195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
It is imperative to develop novel processes that rely on cheap, sustainable and abundant resources whilst providing carbon circularity. Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) offer unique opportunities to facilitate the conversion of chemicals to electrical energy or vice versa
by harnessing the metabolic processes of bacteria to valorise a range of waste products including greenhouse gases (GHGs). Part I (1) introduced the EET pathways, their limitations and applications. Here in Part II, we outline the strategies researchers have used to modulate microbial electron
transfer, through synthetic biology and biohybrid approaches and present the conclusions and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Myers
- Bioelectronics Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham University Park, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Phil Hill
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Frankie Rawson
- Bioelectronics Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham University Park, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Katalin Kovács
- School of Pharmacy, Boots Science Building, University of Nottingham, University Park Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, You L, Deng P, Jiang X, Hsu HH. Self-Assembled Biohybrid: A Living Material To Bridge the Functions between Electronics and Multilevel Biological Modules/Systems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:32289-32298. [PMID: 35793791 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c05639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exoelectrogens are known to be specialized in reducing various extracellular electron acceptors to form conductive nanomaterials that are integrated with their cell bodies both structurally and functionally. Utilizing this unique capacity, we created a strategy toward the design and fabrication of a biohybrid electronic material by exploiting bioreduced graphene oxide (B-rGO) as the structural and functional linker to facilitate the interaction between the exoelectrogen community and external electronics. The metabolic functions of exoelectrogens encoded in this living hybrid can therefore be effectively translated toward corresponding microbial fuel cell applications. Furthermore, this material can serve as a fundamental building block to be integrated with other microorganisms for constructing various electronic components. Toward a broad impact of this biohybridization strategy, photosynthetic organelles and cells were explored to replace exoelectrogens as the active bioreducing components and as formed materials exhibited 4- and 8-fold improvements in photocurrent intensities as compared with native bioelectrode interfaces. Overall, a biologically driven strategy for the fabrication and assembly of electronic materials is demonstrated, which provides a unique opportunity to precisely probe and modulate desired biofunctions through deterministic electronic inputs/outputs and revolutionize the design and manufacturing of next-generation (bio)electronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Le You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Pu Deng
- Materials Science and Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Xiaocheng Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Huan-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang R, Li H, Sun J, Zhang L, Jiao J, Wang Q, Liu S. Nanomaterials Facilitating Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer at Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2004051. [PMID: 33325567 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemically active bacteria can transport their metabolically generated electrons to anodes, or accept electrons from cathodes to synthesize high-value chemicals and fuels, via a process known as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Harnessing of this microbial EET process has led to the development of microbial bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), which can achieve the interconversion of electrical and chemical energy and enable electricity generation, hydrogen production, electrosynthesis, wastewater treatment, desalination, water and soil remediation, and sensing. Here, the focus is on the current understanding of the microbial EET process occurring at both the bacteria-electrode interface and the biotic interface, as well as some attempts to improve the EET by using various nanomaterials. The behavior of nanomaterials in different EET routes and their influence on the performance of BESs are described. The inherent mechanisms will guide rational design of EET-related materials and lead to a better understanding of EET mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Huidong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jinzhi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jia Jiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Micro- and Nanotechnology Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Shaoqin Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Deng P, Sheng W, Xu A, Li C, Zhang Y, Dai X, Vo R, Kaplan DL, Hsu HH, Jiang X. Bottom-Up Construction of Electrochemically Active Living Filters: From Graphene Oxide Mediated Formation of Bacterial Cables to 3D Assembly of Hierarchical Architectures. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:7376-7381. [PMID: 35019480 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Living composites comprising of both biotic and abiotic modules are shifting the paradigm of materials science, yet challenges remain in effectively converging their distinctive structural and functional attributes. Here we present a bottom-up hybridization strategy to construct functionally coherent, electrochemically active biohybrids with optimal mass/charge transport, mechanical integrity, and biocatalytic performance. This biohybrid can overcome several key limitations of traditional biocarrier designs and demonstrate superior efficiency in metabolizing low-concentration toxic ions with minimal environmental impact. Overall, this work exemplifies a biointegration strategy that complements existing synthetic biology toolsets to further expand the range of material attributes and functionalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pu Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States.,Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Weiqin Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States.,School of Electronic Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Andrew Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Chunmei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Xiaochuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Richard Vo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Huan-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Xiaocheng Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hsu LHH, Zhang Y, Deng P, Dai X, Jiang X. Biosynthetic Electronic Interfaces for Bridging Microbial and Inorganic Electron Transport. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:8787-8792. [PMID: 31751143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electron transport in biological and inorganic systems is mediated through distinct mechanisms and pathways. Their fundamental mismatch in structural and thermodynamic properties has imposed a significant challenge on the effective coupling at the biotic/abiotic interface, which is central to the design and development of bioelectronic devices and their translation toward various engineering applications. Using electrochemically active bacteria, such as G. sulfurreducens, as a model system, here we report a bottom-up, biosynthetic approach to synergize the electron transport and significantly enhance the coupling at the heterogeneous junction. In particular, graphene oxide was exploited as the respiratory electron acceptors, which can be directly reduced by G. sulfurreducens through extracellular electron transfer, closely coupled with outer membrane cytochromes in electroactive conformation, and actively "wire" the redox centers to external electrical contacts. Through this strategy, the contact resistance at the biofilm/electrode interface can be effectively reduced by 90%. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry reveals that the electron transfer of the DL-1 biofilm transformed from a low-current (∼0.36 μA), rate-limited profile to a high-current (∼5 μA), diffusion-limited profile. These results suggested that the integration of rGO can minimize the charge transfer barriers at the biofilm/electrode interface. The more transparent contact at the DL-1/electrode interface also enables unambiguous characterization of the inherent electron transport kinetics across the electroactive biofilm independent of cell/electrode interactions. The current work represents a strategically new approach toward the seamless integration of biological and artificial electronics, which is expected to provide critical insights into the fundamentals of biological electron transport and open up new opportunities for applications in biosensing, biocomputing, and bioenergy conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Huan-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts 02155 , United States
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts 02155 , United States
| | - Pu Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts 02155 , United States
| | - Xiaochuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts 02155 , United States
| | - Xiaocheng Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts 02155 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang P, Yang C, Xu Y, Li H, Shi W, Xie X, Lu M, Huang L, Huang W. Accelerating the startup of microbial fuel cells by facile microbial acclimation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2019.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
8
|
Machnicki CE, Fu F, Jing L, Chen PY, Wong IY. Mechanochemical engineering of 2D materials for multiscale biointerfaces. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:6293-6309. [PMID: 31460549 PMCID: PMC6812607 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01006h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Atomically thin nanomaterials represent a unique paradigm for interfacing with biological systems due to their mechanical flexibility, exceptional interfacial area, and ease of chemical functionalization. In particular, these two-dimensional (2D) materials are able to bend, curve, and fold in response to biologically-generated forces or other external stimuli. Such origami-like folding of 2D materials into wrinkled or crumpled topographies allows them to withstand large deformations by accordion-like unfolding, with implications for stretchable and shape-changing devices. Here, we review how mechanically manipulated 2D materials can interact with biological systems across a multitude of length scales. We focus on recent work where wrinkling, crumpling, or bending of 2D materials permits new chemical and material properties, with four case studies: (i) programming biomolecular reactivity and enhanced sensing, (ii) directed adhesion and encapsulation of bacteria or mammalian cells, (iii) stimuli-responsive actuators and soft robotics, and (iv) stretchable barrier technologies and wearable human-scale sensors. Finally, we consider future directions for manufacturing, materials and systems integration, as well as biocompatibility. Taken together, these 2D materials may enable new avenues for ultrasensitive molecular detection, biomaterial scaffolds, soft machines, and wearable technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Machnicki
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. and Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Fanfan Fu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Lin Jing
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Po-Yen Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Ian Y Wong
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chu B, Wu S, Ji X, Chen R, Song B, Tang J, Wang H, Su Y, He Y. Controllable silicon nanostructures featuring stable fluorescence and intrinsic in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:6247-6256. [PMID: 31566627 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01191a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we demonstrate that the in situ growth of fluorescent silicon (Si) nanomaterials is stimulated when organosilicane molecules interact with different green teas, producing multifunctional Si nanomaterials with controllable zero- (e.g., nanoparticles), two- (e.g., nanosheets), and three- (e.g., nanospheres) dimensional nanostructures. Such green tea-originated Si nanomaterials (GTSN) exhibit strong fluorescence (quantum yield: ∼19-30%) coupled with ultrahigh photostability, as well as intrinsic anti-cancer activity with high specificity (e.g., the GTSN can accurately kill various cancer cells, rather than normal cells). Taking advantage of these unique merits, we further performed systematic in vitro and in vivo experiments to interrogate the mechanism of the green tea- and GTSN-related cancer prevention. Typically, we found that the GTSN entered the cell nuclei and induced cell apoptosis/death of cancer cells. The prepared GTSN were observed in vivo to accumulate in the tumour tissues after 14-d post-injection, leading to an efficient inhibition of tumour growth. Our results open new avenues for designing novel multifunctional and side-effect-free Si nanomaterials with controllable structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Chu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biochemical Analysis, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|