Principles for a Microbial 3D Printer
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Architect, Planning & Landscape
Abstract
Our project proposes the first steps to develop a 3D printing process which involves the synthesis and modification of
materials from live microbes to make 3D functionally graded materials and objects.
Our vision it to create new type of 3D printing technology based on bacterial growth and self assembly of cellulose to create
new materials and structures in energy efficient ways, with a range of different material types and properties, and in
complex composites which would be very difficult to create using more traditional manufacture. These materials will also be
biodegradable and biocompatible.
The project will integrate genetically engineered microbes and the design and building a novel bioreactor as a new type of
3D printer. The project will establish the principles for this new 3D printing technology with potential applications in a wide
range of areas including for biomedical applications, complex composites for high-performance manufacturing and novel
consumer products.
materials from live microbes to make 3D functionally graded materials and objects.
Our vision it to create new type of 3D printing technology based on bacterial growth and self assembly of cellulose to create
new materials and structures in energy efficient ways, with a range of different material types and properties, and in
complex composites which would be very difficult to create using more traditional manufacture. These materials will also be
biodegradable and biocompatible.
The project will integrate genetically engineered microbes and the design and building a novel bioreactor as a new type of
3D printer. The project will establish the principles for this new 3D printing technology with potential applications in a wide
range of areas including for biomedical applications, complex composites for high-performance manufacturing and novel
consumer products.
Organisations
Publications
Arnardottir T
(2022)
Structures and Architecture A Viable Urban Perspective?
Gilmour KA
(2023)
Biofilm inspired fabrication of functional bacterial cellulose through ex-situ and in-situ approaches.
in Carbohydrate polymers
Gilmour KA
(2023)
Innovating fire safety with recombinant hydrophobic proteins for textile fire retardancy.
in Microbial biotechnology
Haystead J
(2024)
Effect of (in)organic additives on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation
in Journal of Applied Microbiology
Loh J
(2025)
Enhanced production of bacterial cellulose with a mesh dispenser vessel-based bioreactor
in Cellulose
Theodoridou M
(2023)
Bioprotopia - Designing the Built Environment with Living Organisms
| Description | * Established a New method for the fabrication of +8cm pellicles of cellulose. * Demonstrated the value of using hydrophobias as a method for waterproofing cellulose based materials. |
| Exploitation Route | We are exploring patentable technology as to help in the production of cellulose. |
| Sectors | Construction Creative Economy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| URL | http://bbe.ac.uk/living-manufacture/ |
| Description | We have now followed this project up with a collaboration which includes two industrial partners and will become part of the 'Living Manufacture' project - which will be EPSRC funded and start in Aril/May 2024 |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Living Manufacture: An Engineered Living Materials based Fabrication Platform |
| Amount | £1,048,273 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/Y008243/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2024 |
| End | 05/2027 |
| Description | Exhibition at the California College of the Arts - Pioneering Biomaterials |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Exhibition of material samples as part of a curated show on biomaterials for construction crossing academia and industry. Biomineralizes samples produced as part of Thinking Soils were displayed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://pioneeringbiomaterials.com |
| Description | Invited Talk: Melbourne Design Week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation as part of Melbourne Design Week |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Keynote Presentation : ACADIA (Denver Colorado) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Keynote Presentation for ACADIA Conference of Architectural Computing |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Keynote Presentation: Technion University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited to give a keynote as part of the launch of a new research initiative in Technion University - Israel |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Keynote for Dutch Design Week: Robots that Build Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk as part of Dutch Design Week. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |