Synthetic biology-inspired design of signal-amplifying materials systems

Materials Today                online article

Here, we introduce the concept of using design approaches and molecular tools applied in synthetic biology for the construction of biohybrid materials systems with information processing functionality. Guided by a quantitative mathematical model, we design a materials system that acts as both a signal detector and as an amplifier based on a built-in positive feedback loop. The functionality and is demonstrated by the detection of enzymatic activities and drugs. As integrated sensors and actuators, the resulting smart materials systems could provide novel solutions.