A team of biologist from
Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been studying the making
of live bacteria with a 3D printer. The bacteria created from 3D printers could
be the next big idea in cleaning up toxic chemical spills, consuming biodegradable
plastics, and creating new biomedical applications. Bacterial composition and metabolism
were thoroughly investigated to ensure that all the appropriate components were
provided to ensure the bacterial cells would live and be functional (Schaffner,
et al, 2017). Having the capability to create any type of bacteria that was in
demand could potentially be a game changer in cleaning up pollution on and in
the ground and ocean. This new technique allows scientists to manipulate the DNA,
composition, shape, size, and metabolism of the bacteria they create. This
freedom allows scientists to develop exactly what type of bacteria is wanted or
needed.
However, there is one draw
back that could come of this groundbreaking discovery, biological warfare
agents. The most commonly known form of biological warfare is the bioterrorist
attack using anthrax spores (Thayselvam and Vijavaraghavan, 2010). This new
technology allows the creator to manipulate the bacteria being developed in any
way they choose. With this new technology, scientists can manipulate the DNA,
composition, shape, size, and metabolism of the bacteria they create. Antibiotic
resistant bacteria are the result of genetic mutations which are not susceptible
to the antibiotics. MRSA, for example, is one of the best known antibiotic
resistant bacteria. It is resistant to all but a few antibiotic cocktails. Developing
and printing any composition of bacteria imaginable could lead to the creation
of a superbug resistant to all antibiotics and antibiotic cocktails which could
be used as a biological warfare agent.
Sources
Schaffner, M., Ruhs, P.
A., Coulter, F., Kilcher, S., & Studart, A. R. (2017). 3D printing of
bacteria
into functional complex materials. Science
Advances, 3(12).
doi:10.1126/sciadv.aao6804
Temming, M. (2017,
December 01). New 3-D printed materials harness the power of bacteria.
Retrieved
December 04, 2017, from https://www.sciencenews.org/article/new-3-d-
printed-materials-harness-power-bacteria
Thavaselvam, D., &
Vijayaraghavan, R. (2010). Biological warfare agents. Journal of Pharmacy
and Bioallied Sciences, 2(3), 179-188.
doi:10.4103/0975-7406.68499
I was actually reading an article the other day about 3D printed bacteria! In the article it mentioned a possible application using this 3D printed bacteria for skin replacements. Bacterial cellulose is free of debris, holds a lot of water, and has a soothing effect once it’s applied on wounds. Because it’s a natural material, our body is unlikely to reject it, so it has many potential applications for creating skin transplants, biosensors, or tissue envelopes to carry and protect organs before transplanting them. There’s a lot of potential here for personalized skin or scaffolds that fit people perfectly. It's also inexpensive and easily reproduced. I'm excited to see possible innovations using this technology!
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