There is a groundswell of interest in applying phototrophic microorganisms, specifically microalgae and cyanobacteria, for biotechnology and ecosystem service applications. However, there are inherent challenges associated with conventional routes to their deployment (using ponds, raceways and photobioreactors) which are synonymous with suspension cultivation techniques. Cultivation as biofilms partly ameliorates these issues; however, based on the principles of process intensification, by taking a step beyond biofilms and exploiting nature inspired artificial cell immobilisation, new opportunities become available, particularly for applications requiring extensive deployment periods (e.g., carbon capture and wastewater bioremediation). We explore the rationale for, and approaches to immobilised cultivation, in particular the application of latex-based polymer immobilisation as living biocomposites. We discuss how biocomposites can be optimised at the design stage based on mass transfer limitations. Finally, we predict that biocomposites will have a defining role in realising the deployment of metabolically engineered organisms for real world applications that may tip the balance of risk towards their environmental deployment.

This review focuses on the use of 3D bioprinting as an effective tool for artificial organ development and cancer research. Various 3D printing technologies and their advantages are also highlighted.

Over 110 million tonnes of textile fibres and apparel are produced annually, ultimately ending with significant quantities of waste textiles. One route for upcycling end-of-life textiles is to repurpose the materials for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal by integrating microalgae (single celled photosynthetic organisms) to form ‘living’ biocomposites. In this study we demonstrate the CO₂ capture performance of prototype living algae biocomposites that use textiles as a solid substrate. Chlorella vulgaris was attached to 100% cotton and 100% polyester sheets, of which half were coated with kappa-carrageenan (a natural polymer derived from seaweed) as a gel topcoat to enhance microalgae retention. The biocomposites were investigated in 28 days semi-batch CO₂ absorption tests using a 5% v/v CO₂/air gas mixture. They absorbed significantly more CO₂ than suspension microalgae culture controls, with the highest CO₂ absorption rate being 1.82 ± 0.10 g CO₂ g⁻¹_biomass d⁻¹ from the coated cotton biocomposites, followed by 1.55 ± 0.27 g CO₂ g⁻¹_biomass d⁻¹ from the uncoated cotton biocomposites. The coated and uncoated polyester biocomposites had comparatively lower CO₂ absorption rates (0.49 ± 0.04 and 0.42 ± 0.03 g CO₂ g⁻¹_biomass d⁻¹ respectively), likely due to the surface charges of the materials affecting microalgae adhesion and retention. A two weeks attachment test on cotton/polyester blends revealed some deterioration of the cotton which could limit the longevity of the biocomposites. Despite these issues, the CO₂ abatement values compare favourably with other Chlorella CO₂ capture studies with the added benefit of much reduced water usage and a reduced land requirement.