Three-dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Materials to Create Automated Syringe Pumps with Feedback Control for Microfluidic Applications.

Microfluidics has become a critical tool in research across the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. One important component of microfluidic experimentation is a stable fluid handling system capable of accurately providing an inlet flow rate or inlet pressure. Here, we have developed a syringe pump system capable of controlling and regulating the inlet fluid pressure delivered to a microfluidic device.

Engineering a living biomaterial via bacterial surface capture of environmental molecules.

Synthetic biology holds significant potential in biomaterials science as synthetically engineered cells can produce new biomaterials, or alternately, can function as living components of new biomaterials. Here, we describe the creation of a new biomaterial that incorporates living bacterial constituents that interact with their environment using engineered surface display. We first developed a gene construct that enabled simultaneous expression of cytosolic mCherry and a surface-displayed, catalytically active enzyme capable of covalently bonding with benzylguanine (BG) groups.

Programming Biomaterial Interactions Using Engineered Living Cells.

We have developed a biomaterials interface that allows the properties of a functionalized surface to be controlled by a population of genetically engineered bacteria. This interface was engineered by linking a genetically modified E. coli strain with a chemically functionalized surface.

Low-cost feedback-controlled syringe pressure pumps for microfluidics applications.

Microfluidics are widely used in research ranging from bioengineering and biomedical disciplines to chemistry and nanotechnology. As such, there are a large number of options for the devices used to drive and control flow through microfluidic channels. Commercially available syringe pumps are probably the most commonly used instruments for this purpose, but are relatively high-cost and have inherent limitations due to their flow profiles when they are run open-loop.

Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials.

We have developed an abiotic-biotic interface that allows engineered cells to control the material properties of a functionalized surface. This system is made by creating two modules: a synthetically engineered strain of E. coli cells and a functionalized material interface.

A Model of a Synthetic Biological Communication Interface between Mammalian Cells and Mechatronic Systems.

The creation of communication interfaces between abiotic and biotic systems represents a significant research challenge. In this work, we design and model a system linking the biochemical signaling pathways of mammalian cells to the actions of a mobile robotic prosthesis. We envision this system as a robotic platform carrying an optically monitored bioreactor that harbors mammalian cells.

Programming Surface Chemistry with Engineered Cells.

We have developed synthetic gene networks that enable engineered cells to selectively program surface chemistry. E. coli were engineered to upregulate biotin synthase, and therefore biotin synthesis, upon biochemical induction.

Exploring Host-Microbiome Interactions using an in Silico Model of Biomimetic Robots and Engineered Living Cells.

The microbiome's underlying dynamics play an important role in regulating the behavior and health of its host. In order to explore the details of these interactions, we created an in silico model of a living microbiome, engineered with synthetic biology, that interfaces with a biomimetic, robotic host. By analytically modeling and computationally simulating engineered gene networks in these commensal communities, we reproduced complex behaviors in the host.