Black dots are microscopic particles of gold collected is programmed by the bacteria
Researchers at Duke University (NC, USA) taught the bacteria to create a simple device by programming combinations of synthetic genes.
A colony of bacteria grows and takes the form of a hemisphere. At the same time a chain of genes inside bacteria triggers the production of a certain type of protein, the aim of which is acquisition and accumulation of inorganic materials. If you then introduce into the colony of gold nanoparticles, bacteria will build them a Golden shell, the size and shape of which can be varied by adjusting the conditions of growth of the colony.
Using this method the researchers have managed to create a simple electronic device – a pressure sensor. To obtain it, the researchers grew two domed structures and a mirror connected. Then every structure through a copper wire connected to the led light bulb. During compression of the dome were leaning on each other, and the resulting strain contributed to the increase of the conductivity – as a result, the bulb would light up. The more it pressed, the brighter burning lamp.
