Curli Fiber-Mediated Stabilization of Bacterial Hydrogel Patterns

Source: Spiesz, E. M., et al., Three-dimensional Patterning of Engineered Biofilms with a Do-it-yourself Bioprinter. J. Vis. Exp. (2019)This video demonstrates a method for comparing 3D-printed alginate patterns containing either control or genetically engineered bacterial strains. The test strain produces curli fibers upon induction, which reinforce the alginate hydrogel structure. Following treatment with a calcium-chelating solution, only the test pattern remains intact, highlighting the stabilizing effect of curli fiber production.