Micro-scale habitat conditions control the composition and function of microbial communities. For example, the 1-mm-diameter paunch of the eastern subterranean termite is home to a complex community of bacteria, protists, archaea and fungi. Steep gradients provide spatially-distinct microniches, while close proximity allows the community to collaboratively convert a lignocellulosic feedstock into acetate and other useful products. Accurately mimicking the micro-scale habitat would enable systematic understanding of termite microbiome dynamics. Here, we describe recent developments in microhabitat design, fabrication and control techniques relevant to many synthetic microbial habitat systems. Finite element simulations were used to identify geometric and operating constraints. Novel microfabrication methods were developed including photo-initiated graft polymerization of gold electrodes along the side walls only of a PDMS microdevice. Side wall electrode placement is important because it eliminates the field distortion with channel depth that occurs with conventional bottom-surface positioning of electrodes. Side wall positioning of electrodes may enhance process performance for electrochemical sensing, electrophoretic separations, and other application where chemical reactions occur along electrode surfaces in a microfluidic device. Other microfabrication advances include scalable in-plane solute-permeable flow and motility barriers. These and other recent advances contribute to a bright outlook for fabrication of ever-more complex synthetic microbial habitat systems.

Design, fabrication, and performance of synthetic microbial habitat systems

247th National Meeting (2014)

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