Adaptive capsule-based materials for programming engineered living systems

Engineered living materials (ELMs) promise next-generation sustainability and functionality and outperform many current examples of multifunctional materials with the ability to autonomously sense, adapt and perform functions. Such materials are of particular high interest in biohybrid systems that exert forces on their surroundings, leading to biohybrid living actuating systems. However, such cell systems are currently limited by their inability to grow and adapt their shape over time, and consequently lack the ability to provide long-term functionality. Furthermore, it is very challenging to combine different cellular systems into one functional unit, in spite of recent progress in co-culturing techniques and protocols. Therefore, the development of a programmable cell unit, which can differentiate into different cell types to form distinct engineered components (e.g., a bone-like structure for structural support and a muscle-like structure for actuation), is an important task for the advancement of biohybrid technology.

Within project 2, we will design capsules with tunable release profiles that are made directly from proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus allowing cells to adhere. The integration of mechanoresponsive behavior and biochemical signaling arises from the surface interaction of cells with the capsules and the distinct exposure to matrix proteins and growth factors (such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).