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Abstract Synthetic biology conceptualises biological complexity as a network of biological parts, devices and systems with predetermined functionalities, and has had a revolutionary impact on fundamental and applied research. With the unprecedented ability to synthesise and transfer any DNA and RNA across organisms, the scope of synthetic biology is expanding and being recreated in previously unimaginable ways. The field has matured to a level where highly complex networks, such as artificial communities of synthetic organisms can be constructed. In parallel, computational biology became an integral part of biological studies, with computational models aiding the unravelling of the escalating complexity and emerging properties of biological phenomena. However, there is still a vast untapped potential for the complete integration of modelling into the synthetic design process, presenting exciting opportunities for scientific advancements. Here, we first highlight the most recent advances in computer-aided design of microbial communities. Next, we propose that such a design can benefit from an organism-free modular modelling approach that places its emphasis on modules of organismal function towards the design of multi-species communities. We argue for a shift in perspective from single organism-centred approaches to emphasising the functional contributions of organisms within the community. By assembling synthetic biological systems using modular computational models with mathematical descriptions of parts and circuits, we can tailor organisms to fulfil specific functional roles within the community. This approach aligns with synthetic biology strategies and presents exciting possibilities for the design of artificial communities.
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3D Printed Organisms Enabled by Aspiration‐Assisted Adaptive Strategies
Abstract Devising an approach to deterministically position organisms can impact various fields such as bioimaging, cybernetics, cryopreservation, and organism‐integrated devices. This requires continuously assessing the locations of randomly distributed organisms to collect and transfer them to target spaces without harm. Here, an aspiration‐assisted adaptive printing system is developed that tracks, harvests, and relocates living and moving organisms on target spaces via a pick‐and‐place mechanism that continuously adapts to updated visual and spatial information about the organisms and target spaces. These adaptive printing strategies successfully positioned a single static organism, multiple organisms in droplets, and a single moving organism on target spaces. Their capabilities are exemplified by printing vitrification‐ready organisms in cryoprotectant droplets, sorting live organisms from dead ones, positioning organisms on curved surfaces, organizing organism‐powered displays, and integrating organisms with materials and devices in customizable shapes. These printing strategies can ultimately lead to autonomous biomanufacturing methods to evaluate and assemble organisms for a variety of single and multi‐organism‐based applications.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1941543
- PAR ID:
- 10516459
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Science
- Volume:
- 11
- Issue:
- 32
- ISSN:
- 2198-3844
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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