Patterned communication between synthetic tissues and bacterial cells

Thesis

Droplet networks (synthetic tissues) comprised of aqueous droplets interfaced by bilayers show great promise for the replacement and augmentation of native tissues. However, this requires droplet networks to interact with biological cells in a spatially precise manner. Here, we report the construction of 3D-printed synthetic tissues that locally control population gene expression in a layer of bacterial cells by the patterned release of a chemical inducer. Precise micron-sized areas of gene expression are achieved by controlling the rate of release of the inducer at a threshold concentration to match its subsequent uptake and consumption by the surrounding cells. Our system provides a basis for the construction of droplet networks capable of interacting with cells at a spatially precise level and serves as the groundwork for the use of synthetic tissues in medical applications requiring local control of native tissues.

Authors: Caganek, TE

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-e2enwre5k
• Type of award: MSc by Research
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: synthetic tissues
• Subjects: Chemical biology