Dynamic biomaterials: toward engineering autonomous feedback. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Eliza; Chavez, Michael; Tan, Cheemeng
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 39(2016)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2016.02.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Dynamic biomaterials sense and respond to the environment. Hydrogels and artificial cells can produce these dynamic reactions. Dynamic reactions include triggered reactions, cascade reactions, and logic gates. Highly sophisticated dynamic biomaterials possess autonomous feedback loops. Abstract : Dynamic biomaterials are biocompatible engineered systems capable of sensing and actively responding to their surrounding environment. They are of growing interest, both as models in basic research to understand complex cellular systems and in medical applications. Here, we review recent advances in nano-scale and micro-scale biomaterials, specifically artificial cells consisting of compartmentalized biochemical reactions and biologically compatible hydrogels. These dynamic biomaterials respond to stimuli through triggered reactions, reaction cascades, logic gates, and autonomous feedback loops. We outline the advances and remaining challenges in implementing such 'smart' biomaterials capable of autonomously responding to environmental stimuli.