Herein, we report the first example of programmable living materials constructed with a dynamic covalent interface between designed synthetic polymers and engineered B. subtilis cells. We identified a molecular motif that forms reversible dynamic covalent bonds on the B. subtilis cell surface. Combining block copolymers bearing this motif with genetically engineered B. subtilis yields programmable living materials that can be equipped with functionalities such as biosensing and on-demand elution of recombinant proteins. Encapsulated cells in these living materials could be reversibly retrieved and subjected to biological analyses. Further, the block copolymer in these living materials could be recycled to produce a new batch of living materials. This work advances the current capabilities in engineered living materials, establishes the groundwork for building a myriad of synthetic polymeric materials integrating engineered living cells, and provides a platform for understanding the biology of cells confined within materials.
Keywords: block copolymer; dynamic covalent chemistry; engineered B. subtilis; hydrogel; living material.