Plant based 4D biohybrid systems

Introduction

Modern technology relies on fully artificial systems. While in many cases these systems are high performing, there have been approaches to add further complexity or intelligence inspired by natural processes. Biomimetic systems, however, are purely synthetic and cannot fully mimic the high complexity of living systems.

Project Goal

The overall goal of the 4D-PhytoHybrid is to develop photosynthetic biohybrid systems that maintain fundamental properties of the living components and set the foundation for the development of a generic hybrid technology.

Dimensions of the Biohybrid System

The biohybrid system will consist of four dimensions with increasing levels of complexity and sophistication:

1. First Dimension: The plant cells with their natural ability to photosynthesize and produce sugars, oxygen, sequester CO2, and also produce materials as cell wall components.

2. Second Dimension: The non-native functionality of the living cells that is acquired with electronic, biocatalytic, and structural materials that integrate into the plant cell wall.

3. Third Dimension: The 3D spatial organization of cells and physicochemical gradients with additive manufacturing.

4. Fourth Dimension: Time, which will enable responsive and evolvable functionality of the biohybrid system driven by the cell processes.

Background and Expertise

I have a background in organic electronic materials, bioelectronics, and plant-based biohybrid systems. I was the first to demonstrate plants with augmented electronic functionality, and I also discovered conjugate oligomers that can polymerize in vivo by the plant and assemble into functional components in the plant cell wall.

Project Implementation

My unique skillset and expertise will therefore ensure the successful implementation of the proposed high-risk/high-gain project. With the ERC funding, I will establish a team for developing next-generation technology based on photosynthetic biohybrid systems in order to open the pathway for new technological concepts and launch a European hub for living technology.