Growing biofilms actively alter host environment, new study reveals

3D image of biofilm reconstruction

By Adrienne Berard

Dental plaque, gut bacteria and the slippery sheen on river rocks are all examples of biofilms, organized communities of microorganisms that colonize our bodies and the world around us. A new study led by Penn State researchers reveals exactly how growing biofilms shape their environments and fine-tune their internal architecture to fit their surroundings. The findings may have implications for a wide variety of applications, from fighting disease to engineering new types of living active materials.

Replacing 3D printing plastics with plant-derived materials

Replace 3D printing plastics

By Jeff Mulhollem

USDA grant to fund Penn State researchers developing new and sustainable materials from lignocellulosic biomass

 

A sustainable resin material comprising agriculturally derived components could potentially replace plastics used in large-format 3D printing, which can produce furniture, boats and other similarly sized objects, according to a team of Penn State agricultural and biological engineers.