Engineered living materials
Summary
This course provides an introduction to the topic of engineered living materials (ELMs), a class of materials that incorporates living cells, thus enabling distinct functionalities such as the ability to grow, heal, adapt, sense, and respond.
Content
- Overview of ELMs
- Material science potential of cells and cellular exudates from different organisms; bacteria, algae, fungi
- How the potential of living cells, such as adaptability, genetic programming, patterning, etc., can be harnessed to imbue functionality into materials
- Key applications of ELMs; lubrication, bioremediation, fermented products, cellular factories for important biomolecules, self-healing, etc.,
- Comprehensive overview of key literature from this emerging field
Keywords
biomaterials, biohybrids, directed assembly, biofilm, extracellular matrix, protein, exopolysaccharides, bacteria, fungi, algae
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
None
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Describe the basic concepts of ELMs
- Deduce how living cells and organisms can be applied in materials science
- Assess / Evaluate the potential of ELMs for different applications
- Formulate challenges related to the implementation of ELMs
Transversal skills
- Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
- Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
- Manage priorities.
- Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
- Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra, with clickers and videos
Expected student activities
- short assignments
- hands-on lab project, in groups
- presentation of article from the scientific literature
Assessment methods
- assignments (1/6)
- lab project (3/6)
- journal club presentation (2/6)
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | No |
Resources
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
No
Notes/Handbook
Detailed lecture slides with references will be made available during the course.
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Engineered living materials
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Engineered living materials
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional