Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/Y008243/1
Title:	Living Manufacture: An Engineered Living Materials based Fabrication Platform
Principal Investigator:	Dade-Robertson, Professor M
Other Investigators:	Steel, Professor H Ellis, Professor TM ZHANG, Dr M
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Dr J H J Allan Ms T H Arnardottir Dr K K Gilmour
Project Partners:	3D Bio-Tissues Ltd Modern Synthesis
Department:	Fac of Engineering and Environment
Organisation:	Northumbria, University of
Scheme:	Standard Research
Starts:	01 June 2024	Ends:	31 May 2027	Value (£):	1,048,273
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomaterials Bioreactors Design & Testing Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 15 Jun 2023 Adventurous manufacturing round 2 follow on prioritisation panel Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Our vision is to create a new type of biofabrication system based on Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) able to self-assemble cellulose based composite materials under the control of genetic programming and a robotic fabrication system. A fermenter filled with cellulose producing bacteria is fed and incubated to grow thick (+8cm) cellulose pellicles. As the pellicles grow the fermenter is fed with engineered modifying bacteria which are genetically programmed to respond to environmental inputs (including light and chemical triggers) by producing molecules which modify the cellulose properties (including its physical properties and pigmentation). A robotic system alters the chemical and light inputs such that the material is modified, as it grows and in three-dimensions, creating functionally graded complex composite materials. Our project provides the basis for a new fabrication technology with similarities to a 3D printer, but where the material is grown and where function rather than form is printed into the material. Such a system may have applications for a wide range of domains from apparel to lab grown meat and would also enable the production of a new generation of ELMs which retain living or life-like properties. Cellulose is also biodegradable and can be converted back into glucose for a new fabrication process to begin. The project also has the broader aim of introducing a new era of 'Living Manufacture'', in which living cells are programmed to produce materials and structures at scale, potentially replacing environmentally costly traditional manufacturing processes.
Key Findings
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