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3D scaffolds for magnetotactic bacteria
Magnetotactic bacteria align with the external magnetic field and thus always move along the field lines. We will use this effect to guide the bacteria along complicated paths by 3D printing magnetic guidelines and scaffolds.
Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, 3D printing, magnetotactic bacteria, microbiology
Magnetotactic bacteria can sense and follow an external magnetic field. They use this skill to orient themselves in the ocean according to earth’s magnetic field. This way they can always find both north and “up” which makes it easy for them to stay in waters with the correct oxygenation. The bacteria contain small permanent magnets that force an alignment between bacteria and field like a compass needle, even when the bacterium is not moving. Magnetotactic bacteria have drawn a lot of interest recently both as production vessels for small permanent magnets as well as for their movement patterns. They have even been sent to the space station.
Magnetotactic bacteria can sense and follow an external magnetic field. They use this skill to orient themselves in the ocean according to earth’s magnetic field. This way they can always find both north and “up” which makes it easy for them to stay in waters with the correct oxygenation. The bacteria contain small permanent magnets that force an alignment between bacteria and field like a compass needle, even when the bacterium is not moving. Magnetotactic bacteria have drawn a lot of interest recently both as production vessels for small permanent magnets as well as for their movement patterns. They have even been sent to the space station.
We will use 3D printing to create 2D paths and 3D scaffolds for magnetotactic bacteria to move through. By giving the scaffolds distinct magnetic properties we will try and guide the bacteria around obstacles. This project would involve
• cultivating the bacteria.
• designing and printing the magnetic scaffolds
• analyzing the bacteria’s movement patters.
We will use 3D printing to create 2D paths and 3D scaffolds for magnetotactic bacteria to move through. By giving the scaffolds distinct magnetic properties we will try and guide the bacteria around obstacles. This project would involve • cultivating the bacteria. • designing and printing the magnetic scaffolds • analyzing the bacteria’s movement patters.