| abstract |
The present disclosure provides easy and cost-effective methods for 3D printing of microorganisms to form biofilms, such as genetically engineered Escherichia coli biofilms. In some embodiments, the 3D printing platform exploits simple alginate chemistry for printing of a bacteria-alginate bioink mixture onto calcium-containing agar surfaces, resulting in the formation of bacteria-encapsulating hydrogels with varying geometries. Bacteria in these hydrogels remain intact, spatially patterned, and viable for several days. Printing of engineered bacteria to produce inducible biofilms leads to formation of multilayered three-dimensional structures that can tolerate harsh chemical treatments, enabling the construction of living biofilm-derived materials in a large-scale and environmentally-stable manner. |