Description du projet
Matériaux vivants inspirés de la peau
Par rapport aux matériaux classiques, les biomatériaux rencontrés dans les organismes vivants se caractérisent par une architecture et une organisation spécifiques et remplissent souvent de multiples fonctions. Les matériaux vivants d’ingénierie (MVI) sont devenus la pierre angulaire de la biologie synthétique et de la science des matériaux, car ils permettent de produire des matériaux dotées de fonctions améliorées grâce aux organismes vivants qu’ils renferment. Financé par le Conseil européen de l’innovation, le projet NextSkins tire son inspiration de la structure/fonction des nombreuses couches de la peau. Les chercheurs vont imiter l’agencement spécialisé que présente l’épiderme pour fabriquer deux matériaux vivants: l’un doté d’une fonction thérapeutique visant à traiter les maladies de la peau, et l’autre doté d’une fonction régénératrice qui servira de vêtement de protection pour les sportifs.
Objectif
Skin is a living interface with layers of specialised functions (sensing, regeneration, protection). The level of complexity in skins is currently unreached in engineered living materials (ELMs). Here we will create skin-inspired ELMs with layers with living cells, specialised properties and functions. Our living skins are based on a grown matrix hosting engineered multicellular consortia that build and functionalise different layers. Spatiotemporal patterning is realised by genetic control and the physicochemical properties of cells and biomolecules. Our aim is to generate platform technologies to advance biological ELMs and make two proof-of-concept engineered living skins with different applications:
We will fabricate a self-encapsulated Living Therapeutic Skin (LTS) made of a bacterial cellulose hydrogel matrix with sense-and-respond cells. LTS will have an interactive layer with sensing functions, a core layer for responsive living cells, and a barrier layer for biocontainment and hydration. An example LTS will be designed to sense pathogenic skin bacteria in eczema and release biosynthesised therapeutic molecules.
A dry and tough Living Regenerative Skin (LRS) consisting of biomineralized biopolymers hosting bacterial spores will be fabricated as an alternative to traditional inert materials (ceramics, plastics) in protective garments. The LRS biomineralized core will arrange in microscale layers, like tough biominerals in nature (nacre, bone, dentin). LRS will be encapsulated in an activator shell, engineered to prevent water penetration and to memorize local mechanical experience, giving local self-reinforcement of mechanically stressed regions, a unique property compared to current materials and other ELMs.
As a powerful strategy to accelerate the adoption of our living materials in society, we will systematically involve the potential end-users and designers in our research for the materials and product development to happen in synergy.
Champ scientifique
Mots‑clés
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Régime de financement
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinateur
2628 CN Delft
Pays-Bas