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Electroactive composite biofilms integrating Kombucha, Chlorella and synthetic proteinoid Proto-Brains

Nikolaidou, Anna; Mougkogiannis, Panagiotis; Adamatzky, Andrew

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Authors

Anna Nikolaidou Anna.Nikolaidou@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Design

Panagiotis Mougkogiannis



Abstract

In this study, we present electroactive biofilms made from a combination of Kombucha zoogleal mats and thermal proteinoids. These biofilms have potential applications in unconventional computing and robotic skin. Proteinoids are synthesized by thermally polymerizing amino acids, resulting in the formation of synthetic protocells that display electrical signalling similar to neurons. By incorporating proteinoids into Kombucha zoogleal cellulose mats, hydrogel biofilms can be created that have the ability to efficiently transfer charges, perform sensory transduction and undergo processing. We conducted a study on the memfractance and memristance behaviours of composite biofilms, showcasing their capacity to carry out unconventional computing operations. The porous nanostructure and electroactivity of the biofilm create a biocompatible interface that can be used to record and stimulate neuronal networks. In addition to in vitro neuronal interfaces, these soft electroactive biofilms show potential as components for bioinspired robotics, smart wearables, unconventional computing devices and adaptive biorobotic systems. Kombucha-proteinoids composite films are a highly customizable material that can be synthesized to suit specific needs. These films belong to a unique category of 'living' materials, as they have the ability to support cellular systems and improve bioelectronic functionality. This makes them an exciting prospect in various applications. Ongoing efforts are currently being directed towards enhancing the compositional tuning of conductivity, signal processing and integration within hybrid bioelectronic circuits.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 15, 2024
Online Publication Date May 29, 2024
Publication Date May 29, 2024
Deposit Date May 29, 2024
Publicly Available Date May 29, 2024
Journal Royal Society Open Science
Electronic ISSN 2054-5703
Publisher Royal Society, The
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 11
Issue 5
Article Number 240238
DOI https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.240238
Keywords unconventional computing, Kombucha cellulose biofilms, memristors, soft robotics, proteinoids, thermal proteins
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12013557

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Electroactive composite biofilms integrating Kombucha, Chlorella and synthetic proteinoid Proto–Brains (4.1 Mb)
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Licence
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Publisher Licence URL
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Copyright Statement
Published by the Royal Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits unrestricted use, provided the original author and source are credited.







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