Resilient and Long-Lasting Living Materials: Bridging Electronics and Biological Systems

Engineered living materials (ELMs) have been extensively studied as promising solutions for integrating electronics with biological systems. However, their practical applications are often limited by a lack of resilience and long-term viability outside controlled laboratory environments. In this work, we address these challenges by developing a groundbreaking ELM biocomposite that combines exceptional resilience with enduring functionality. By incorporating electrogenic, spore-forming bacteria within a self-healable, microcapsule-embedded conductive polymer, our ELM establishes a robust and exclusive interface between solid-state electronics and liquid biological systems. This innovation opens new avenues for advanced bioelectronic applications.