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

Author

Listed:
  • Han Sol Kim

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Myung Hyun Noh

    (University of California San Diego
    Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT))

  • 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
    Technical University of Denmark)

  • Jonathan K. Pokorski

    (University of California San Diego
    University of California San Diego)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 & Jonathan K. P, 2024. "Biocomposite thermoplastic polyurethanes containing evolved bacterial spores as living fillers to facilitate polymer disintegration," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47132-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47132-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lior Artzi & Assaf Alon & Kelly P. Brock & Anna G. Green & Amy Tam & Fernando H. Ramírez-Guadiana & Debora Marks & Andrew Kruse & David Z. Rudner, 2021. "Dormant spores sense amino acids through the B subunits of their germination receptors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
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