Some of the major advances in bioprocessing can be attributed to the miniaturization of hardware components for small-scale operation; yet, integrating multiple operations remains a challenge because of the difficulty in allocating the labile biological components within spatial boundaries.  To address this challenge, we have used �biofabrication� to organize biomolecules and cells at a millimeter scale.  Specifically, we have employed stimuli-responsive polysaccharides, film-forming in the presence of an electrical signal, to assemble films onto electrode surfaces.  The electrodeposited film pattern is programmable by the electrode's geometry.  We have demonstrated the sequential deposition of adjacent films and functionalization using a custom-engineered protein in order to build stations for cell cultivation and productivity monitoring.  While the biofabricated stations are physically separated onto non-contiguous electrodes within a single �chip�, interaction occurs between components at each station by diffusion across pliable boundaries. Innovative means that enable complete binding reversibility allow for subsequent cell and protein recovery.  We believe biofabrication strategies such as this �in-film� bioprocessing approach are simple and rapid tools that will enable miniaturization of clonal analysis for rapid selection at a reduced yet augmentable scale for optimal production.

Biofabrication of on-chip bioprocessing stations toward operational continuity

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.