Stimulus-Responsive Microcapsules for Modular Biomolecule Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomanufacturing methods for producing biomolecules are inefficient and costly, particularly for small-scale production, as they require complex infrastructure and result in high downstream processing costs, and are not adaptable for diverse biologics or remote areas due to the need for large-scale operations and cold chain storage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a microbial swarmbot platform that integrates genetically engineered microorganisms with stimulus-responsive microcapsules, allowing for autonomous biomolecule production, purification, and analysis through programmed lysis and phase transitions, enabling modular and scalable production and purification of diverse biomolecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional biomanufacturing methods are used, then large-scale production capability is achieved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the biomanufacturing process by encapsulating genetically engineered microorganisms in individual microcapsules, each functioning as an independent production unit. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex large-scale infrastructure while maintaining production capability, as each microcapsule can be independently cultured and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the core production function from the complex conventional biomanufacturing infrastructure by using autonomous microcapsules that contain their own genetic circuits and production machinery. This extraction allows production to occur in simplified settings without requiring extensive downstream processing facilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional downstream processing is used, then biomolecule purification is achieved, but processing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by designing microcapsules with built-in purification features, including size-based separation capabilities and surface modifications that facilitate direct purification. This preliminary design eliminates the need for extensive downstream processing steps, reducing both time and cost while maintaining purification quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges production and purification functions into a single integrated microcapsule system. The microcapsules are designed to both produce biomolecules and facilitate their purification through inherent physical and chemical properties, eliminating the need for separate downstream processing operations.
3Productivity
If large-scale production operations are used, then high biomolecule output is achieved, but adaptability to diverse biologics and remote areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microcapsule platform achieves universality by designing a standardized encapsulation system that can accommodate various genetically engineered microorganisms capable of producing different types of biologics. This multi-functional design allows the same basic platform to be adapted for producing proteins, antibodies, vaccines, and other diverse biomolecules, enabling deployment in remote areas without requiring location-specific infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This platform facilitates efficient and robust production, purification, and analysis of biomolecules, reducing costs and infrastructure requirements, and enabling on-demand production of diverse biologics, even in remote areas, by integrating production and purification steps into a concise format using cell-material feedback.
Implementation Method 1
stimulus-responsive hydrogels can undergo reversible volume phase transitions upon minute changes in physical (e.g., temperature, light) or chemical (e.g., pH, ions) environments
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of microorganisms altering the one or more conditions in the microcapsules, wherein the one or more conditions include pH or ionic strength
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems, and methods for the production of biomolecules using microorganisms. In particular, the present disclosure provides biomolecule production platforms that include genetically engineered microorganisms with genetic circuits functionally coupled to microcapsules formed from materials that are responsive to culture conditions. The biomolecule production platforms disclosed herein facilitate the efficient and robust production, purification, and/or analysis of any biomolecule-of-interest.