The ability to control the interaction between bacteria and nanomaterials is fundamental for creating living hybrid systems as well as pathogen anti-adhesion. In this talk, we will discuss our work in tuning the bio/abio interfacial interactions for binding of nanomaterials to living bacteria either through genetic engineering or through nanomaterial functionalization. In the first study, living bacteria/nanoparticle hybrids were prepared by genetically controlling binding peptide displayed on bacterial surfaces. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was engineered with inducible gene circuits to control display of peptides on bacteria with desired sequences. Driven by metal-peptide affinity, nanoparticles such as gold or magnetic nanoparticles could self-assemble onto the bacteria with programmed peptides. The bacteria/nanoparticle hybrids were highly viable and maintained the ability to grow and divide. Potential applications of the living bacteria/nanoparticle systems will be briefly discussed. In the second study, cellulose nanofibrils, a biocompatible and easily modified nanomaterial platform, were functionalized with mannose to be used as a new tool in the control of bacterial pathogenesis. The functionalized nanofibrils were capable of regulating of E. coli association due to strong affinity between multivalent mannose grafted on nanofibrils and receptors on E. coli. These bioactive nanofibrils demonstrated the ability of capturing E. coli as well as preventing adhesion of E. coli.

Binding nanomaterials to living bacteria

256th National Meeting (2018)

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