Engineering Bacillus subtilis for the formation of a durable living biocomposite material.

Engineered living materials (ELMs) are a fast-growing area of research that combine approaches in synthetic biology and material science. Here, we engineer B. subtilis to become a living component of a silica material composed of self-assembling protein scaffolds for functionalization and cross-linking of cells.

Enhanced biodegradation of atrazine by bacteria encapsulated in organically modified silica gels.

Biodegradation by cells encapsulated in silica gel is an economical and environmentally friendly method for the removal of toxic chemicals from the environment. In this work, recombinant E. coli expressing atrazine chlorohydrolase (AtzA) were encapsulated in organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) gels composed of TEOS, silica nanoparticles (SNPs), and either phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) or methyltriethoxysilane (MTES).

Production of monodisperse silica gel microspheres for bioencapsulation by extrusion into an oil cross-flow.

Silica gel microspheres are ideal materials for bioencapsulation due to their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and stability. Encapsulated cells are isolated from the environment and protected from predators, changes in pH, and osmotic stress. However methods for the production of silica gel microspheres suitable for bioencapsulation are not well established.