As a bacterial colony grows into the shape of a hemisphere, the gene circuit triggers the production of a type of protein to distribute within the colony that can recruit inorganic materials. Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have used a synthetic gene circuit to programme bacteria into creating a three-dimensional structure, according to an article in Nature Biotechnology. The researchers say the new technique could be useful for producing artificial organs and other biological materials. Applications could include pressure sensors, low-cost dies or moulds for manufacturing, or even materials that can change shape or repair themselves.
Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have used a synthetic gene circuit to programme bacteria into creating a three-dimensional structure, according to an article in Nature Biotechnology. The researchers say the new technique could be useful for producing artificial organs and other biological materials. Applications could include pressure sensors, low-cost dies or moulds for manufacturing, or even materials that can change shape or repair themselves.