Growth and Distribution of Microalgae in Photosynthetic Living Hydrogels

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.