Scientists are bringing the concept of “living materials” one step closer to reality by using one of nature’s toughest survivors—bacterial spores.
A team of researchers, including Jeong-Joo Oh, Franka van der Linden, and Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam, has developed engineered living materials (ELMs) that can endure harsh environments, go dormant for months, and even “wake up” to perform useful tasks on command.
Their study, published in Science Advances, shows how these materials could eventually replace many fossil-based products, including plastics, and may even lead to self-healing construction materials.
The idea behind ELMs is to create materials that grow, adapt, and repair themselves just like living organisms.
These materials could have a wide range of applications—from detecting disease biomarkers to breaking down environmental pollutants.
But one of the most exciting uses is in self-repairing composites, such as concrete that can fix its own cracks.
“Imagine asking bacteria to produce minerals that fill a crack in a wall,” said Jeong-Joo Oh, first co-author of the study.
“We could have self-repairing buildings that are both durable and sustainable. This approach could also help us move away from plastics and other fossil-based materials.”
Traditional living materials face a major limitation: the living cells they rely on die quickly, often within days or weeks.
To overcome this, the researchers turned to bacterial spores—the dormant, highly resistant forms of certain bacteria that can survive extreme heat, dryness, and chemical stress. These spores can “sleep” for months and be reactivated when needed, restoring the material’s functionality.
The team combined two bacterial species to create their living material. One, Komogataeibacter rhaeticus, produces strong cellulose fibers that form a protective and flexible structure. The other, Bacillus subtilis, contributes its ability to form hardy spores.
Together, they produce a tough yet adaptable material that can withstand harsh conditions. By genetically modifying the spores, the researchers gave them specific functions and improved how they attach to the cellulose matrix.
“So far, our work is still at the proof-of-concept stage,” said Oh. “Before we can use these materials in real-world applications like concrete, they must meet the strength and durability standards of current building materials. But the potential is very promising.”
In the future, these engineered living materials could be key to creating buildings, devices, and everyday products that are not only self-healing but also environmentally friendly and sustainable.
As Oh puts it, “Step by step, I hope to replace unsustainable materials with living, self-sustaining ones.”
