Autonomous Cargo Transport with Biohybrid Microswimmers Enabled by Light-Mediated Bacteria-Cargo Communication
Xiaoran Zheng, Yanjun Zheng, Ali Heidari, Seraphine Wegner (2026) Autonomous Cargo Transport with Biohybrid Microswimmers Enabled by Light-Mediated Bacteria-Cargo Communication Adv Mater (IF: 26.8) e72950Abstract
Biohybrid microswimmers, which integrate the unique mobility and taxis of living cells with the versatility of synthetic cargo, offer exciting opportunities for targeted delivery. However, current biohybrids lack autonomous decision-making capabilities due to the absence of communication between living and synthetic components. Here, we report biohybrid microswimmers capable of self-regulating cargo pickup, transport, and release through light-mediated communication between bacteria and cargo. The genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria act as senders, converting dynamic changes in the concentration of a model toxin, Hg2+, into a cellular light signal. The cargo, composed of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), is functionalized with a photoswitchable membrane-binding protein to perceive the light signal. By interfacing the two components, the bacteria can dynamically signal the presence of Hg2+ to the SUVs, triggering their attachment to bacteria and biohybrid assembly. The inherent negative chemotaxis of bacteria to Hg2+ directs the transport of cargo toward low Hg2+ environments, where the cessation of light signaling prompts cargo release. This autonomous cargo transport is governed by an emerging self-regulatory network, combining light-mediated communication between cargo and bacteria with bacterial chemotaxis. The modular biohybrid microswimmer design paves the way for advanced microrobotic systems in which synthetic and living components coordinate their actions.© 2026 The Author(s). Advanced Materials published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.
Links
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41913381http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.72950
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