Directed assembly of genetically engineered eukaryotic cells into living functional materials via ultrahigh-affinity protein interactions

Multifunctional polyimide-based femtosecond laser micro/nanostructured films with triple Janus properties

Flexible multifunctional composite films in which opposing surfaces have two or more distinct physical properties are highly applicable for wearable electronic devices, electrical power systems and biomedical engineering. However, fabrication of such "Janus" films can be time consuming, complex or economically not feasible. In this work, Janus polyimide (PI) films were prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing technology, which generated a honeycomb porous structure (HPS) on one side and a lawn-like structure (LLS) on the other. Deposition of silver nanowires (AGNWs) by drop coating on the LLS side (AGNWs@LLS) resulted in a film in which each face possessed highly distinct triple properties. The HPS side was superhydrophobic with a water contact angle (WCA) of ∼153.3° and electrically non-conductive, while the AGNWs@LLS side was superhydrophilic (WCA ∼7.8°) and highly conductive (∼3.8 Ω). Moreover, the AGNWs@LLS face showed ultra-low thermal radiation performance, almost reaching saturation. On a heating table at ∼100 °C, the temperature of the AGNWs@LLS side remained at ∼44.5 °C, while the HPS side exhibited a temperature of ∼93.9 °C. This "triple Janus film" and lasing techniques developed might be useful for designing new materials for the integration and miniaturization of multifunctional electronic equipment.

Microbial Synthesis of High-Molecular-Weight, Highly Repetitive Protein Polymers

High molecular weight (MW), highly repetitive protein polymers are attractive candidates to replace petroleum-derived materials as these protein-based materials (PBMs) are renewable, biodegradable, and have outstanding mechanical properties. However, their high MW and highly repetitive sequence features make them difficult to synthesize in fast-growing microbial cells in sufficient amounts for real applications. To overcome this challenge, various methods were developed to synthesize repetitive PBMs. Here, we review recent strategies in the construction of repetitive genes, expression of repetitive proteins from circular mRNAs, and synthesis of repetitive proteins by ligation and protein polymerization. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each method and highlight future directions that will lead to scalable production of highly repetitive PBMs for a wide range of applications.

Engineered Living Materials For Sustainability

Recent advances in synthetic biology and materials science have given rise to a new form of materials, namely engineered living materials (ELMs), which are composed of living matter or cell communities embedded in self-regenerating matrices of their own or artificial scaffolds. Like natural materials such as bone, wood, and skin, ELMs, which possess the functional capabilities of living organisms, can grow, self-organize, and self-repair when needed. They also spontaneously perform programmed biological functions upon sensing external cues. Currently, ELMs show promise for green energy production, bioremediation, disease treatment, and fabricating advanced smart materials. This review first introduces the dynamic features of natural living systems and their potential for developing novel materials. We then summarize the recent research progress on living materials and emerging design strategies from both synthetic biology and materials science perspectives. Finally, we discuss the positive impacts of living materials on promoting sustainability and key future research directions.