Biocomposite thermoplastic polyurethanes containing evolved bacterial spores as living fillers to facilitate polymer disintegration

Han Sol Kim, Myung Hyun Noh, Evan M. White, Michael V. Kandefer, Austin F. Wright, Debika Datta, Hyun Gyu Lim, Ethan Smiggs, Jason J. Locklin, Md Arifur Rahman (), Adam M. Feist () and Jonathan K. Pokorski ()
Additional contact information
Han Sol Kim: University of California San Diego
Myung Hyun Noh: University of California San Diego
Evan M. White: University of Georgia
Michael V. Kandefer: University of Georgia
Austin F. Wright: University of Georgia
Debika Datta: University of California San Diego
Hyun Gyu Lim: University of California San Diego
Ethan Smiggs: University of California San Diego
Jason J. Locklin: University of Georgia
Md Arifur Rahman: BASF Corporation
Adam M. Feist: University of California San Diego
Jonathan K. Pokorski: University of California San Diego

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract The field of hybrid engineered living materials seeks to pair living organisms with synthetic materials to generate biocomposite materials with augmented function since living systems can provide highly-programmable and complex behavior. Engineered living materials have typically been fabricated using techniques in benign aqueous environments, limiting their application. In this work, biocomposite fabrication is demonstrated in which spores from polymer-degrading bacteria are incorporated into a thermoplastic polyurethane using high-temperature melt extrusion. Bacteria are engineered using adaptive laboratory evolution to improve their heat tolerance to ensure nearly complete cell survivability during manufacturing at 135 °C. Furthermore, the overall tensile properties of spore-filled thermoplastic polyurethanes are substantially improved, resulting in a significant improvement in toughness. The biocomposites facilitate disintegration in compost in the absence of a microbe-rich environment. Finally, embedded spores demonstrate a rationally programmed function, expressing green fluorescent protein. This research provides a scalable method to fabricate advanced biocomposite materials in industrially-compatible processes.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47132-8

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