April 22 - 26, 2024
Seattle, Washington
May 7 - 9, 2024 (Virtual)

Event Supporters

2024 MRS Spring Meeting
SB06.05.01

Growth and Distribution of Microalgae in Photosynthetic Living Hydrogels

When and Where

Apr 24, 2024
1:45pm - 2:15pm
Room 427, Level 4, Summit

Presenter(s)

Co-Author(s)

Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam1

Delft University of Technology1

Abstract

Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam1

Delft University of Technology1
Engineered living materials are functional materials that encapsulate living components within a polymer matrix. Understanding the physical, chemical and biological factors affecting the spatial organization and growth of cellular populations within the matrix is key to predicting and improving the materials’ functionality and responsive potential. We study the motility, growth, spatial distribution, and photosynthetic activity of eukaryotic microalga <i>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</i> in a hydrogel matrix. 3D printing is used to control the shape of the biohybrid hydrogel material as a whole, while light exposure and access to carbon source controls the growth and location of the cells within the material. I will present a strategy to control cell growth for higher productivity of photosynthetic living materials that resembles the established adaptations found in multicellular plant leaves.

Keywords

3D printing | biological | carbon dioxide

Symposium Organizers

Neel Joshi, Northeastern University
Eleni Stavrinidou, Linköping University
Bozhi Tian, University of Chicago
Claudia Tortiglione, Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti

Symposium Support

Bronze
Cell Press

Session Chairs

Angela Tino
Claudia Tortiglione

In this Session