Printing microbial forests

Novel 3D bioprinting technology is developed and applied for basic investigations of how structure and function interact in printed photosynthetic biofilms of known biocomplexity.
Key question: Can photosynthetic biofilms be constructed with a defined surface topography and stratification enhancing their productivity by mimicking canopy effects known from higher plant communities?
Key result: New approach to construct and monitor microbial assemblages, and new strategies to enhance their photosynthetic productivity.
Key impact: A novel combination of materials science and microbiology enabling construction of defined biofilm landscapes and monitoring of their metabolic activity, which is applicable in many areas of basic and applied biosciences.”