Infrared-activatable antibiotic-producing living materials

Leading PI: Tobias Kraus (INM)

We introduce a hybrid concept that combines inorganic nanostructures with genetically engineered cells to release an active compound upon optical irradiation. Gold nanorods (AuNRs), which are exceptionally efficient and easily tunable photothermal IR converters, are compatibilized with thermally responsive bacteria. These will be tested in mixed suspensions and then encapsulated within a polymeric matrix in a defined geometrical arrangement. We will evaluate the achievable temperature gradients, bacterial response, drug release profiles, and applicability in relevant environments, such as simulated oral conditions

Related publications:

Basaran S, Dey S, Bhusari S, Sankaran S, Kraus T. Plasmonic stimulation of gold nanorods for the photothermal control of engineered living materials. Biomater Adv. 2023 Apr;147:213332. doi: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213332. Epub 2023 Feb 14. PMID: 36801796.