Conventional methods for material fabrication often require harsh reaction conditions, have low energy efficiency, and can cause a negative impact on the environment and human health. In contrast, structured materials with well-defined physical and chemical properties emerge spontaneously in diverse biological systems. However, these natural processes are not readily programmable. By taking a synthetic-biology approach, we demonstrate a method for the fabrication of semiconducting, transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable bandgap and useful photoelectric properties, through bacterial precipitation. Surface analytic measurements revealed that our bacterially precipitated CdS NPs are agglomerates of quantum dots (QDs) in a carbon-rich matrix. We discovered that the precipitation conditions of the bacteria can be tuned to produce NPs with bandgaps that range from quantum-confined to bulk CdS. We determined the photoelectrochemical properties and energy band structure of thin films prepared from these NPs by electrochemical measurements. By taking advantage of the organic matrix, which is residual from the biosynthesis process, we fabricated a prototype photo-charged capacitor electrode by incorporating the bacterially precipitated CdS with a reduced graphene oxide sheet. Furthermore, we show the programmable, three-dimensional (3D) material fabrication using pattern-forming bacteria growing on top of permeable membranes as the structural scaffold. When the bacteria are equipped with an engineered protein that enables the assembly of gold (Au) nanoparticles into a hybrid organic-inorganic dome structure, the resulting hybrid structure functions as a pressure sensor that responds to touch. We furthermore show that the response dynamics are determined by the geometry of the structure, which is programmable by the membrane properties and the extent of circuit activation. By taking advantage of this property, we demonstrate signal sensing and processing using one or multiple bacterially assembled structures. Our work provides the first demonstration of using engineered cells to generate functional hybrid materials with programmable electronic properties and architectures for energy conversion, energy storage, and for signal sensing and transduction.

Understanding the genome has the power to revolutionize health. However, building robust and scalable tools to interrogate single base variants with high robustness requires a system level approach to integrate surface patterning and activation, biosensing, and imaging. This talk will review how micro-patterning, bioanalytical controls, surface analytical techniques and measurement tools are applied in an industrial setting to develop and manufacture cutting edge systems for sequencing and genotyping applications

Continuous monitoring of biomarkers in biological environments is a key challenge for the development of biosensors capable of providing real-time feedback. Sensors capable of continuous pH monitoring have already found applications in detection of bacterial infections and have potential for aiding in treatment of dynamic diseases. Nanoparticle based “optodes” have emerged as sensitive and tuneable biosensors, using chromo/ionophores to generate analyte-specific changes in fluorescence spectra in a dynamic and reversible manner. Current key limitations of these materials include leaching of reagents from the nanoparticles over time, combined with poor colloidal stability in biological fluids.

Organosilica is a promising material for developing stable biosensors, allowing simple control over size, interfacial chemistry and porosity. This presentation will describe the development of a core-shell nanoparticle containing a mixture of covalently incorporated pH-sensitive (shell) and pH-insensitive (core) fluorescent dyes. Attachment of anti-fouling polymers is used reduce aggregation and biofouling in biological media. Fluorescence analysis of the nanoparticles reveals that the shell/core fluorescence ratio is highly sensitive to pH over a physiological range with the response time <1s. The sensitivity and dynamic range can be tuned by varying material properties of the shell (primarily thickness and porosity). We will present our latest results on the application of these nanosensors for continuous, real-time monitoring, including in bacterial cultures, subcutaneous mouse “tattoos," and in 3D hydrogel scaffolds.

Cells interact with their microenvironment by engaging membrane receptors with complementary partners at the surrounding matrix or at other neighbouring cells. These receptor complexes, often associated to cytoskeletal structures, allow exchange of biochemical and mechanical information. The ability to quantify this exchange is crucial for our understanding of cellular behavioru and responses to external factors. Using model bionterfaces with optoregulated interaction possibilities, selective membrane receptors in living cells can be addressed in situ, i.e. on a sensor surface, while quantifying specific cellular responses. Light-regulated tools to apply and sense cell biochemical and mechanical interactions will be presented.