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MIT News
MIT engineers connect bacteria to create living transistors
MIT engineers have engineered bacteria to function as transistors, facilitating the construction of living circuits that can be printed on growth media. These biological transistors enable the control of molecular flow, akin to electronic circuit behavior. The research provides a framework for creating complex circuits while overcoming limitations imposed by conventional synthetic biology methods. Future applications could include sensors integrated into plant systems.
MonitorConfidence: MediumMid term horizon
Published 17 Aug 2026, 18:15 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Bacteria designed to act as transistors for living circuits
- Circuits can control the flow of small molecules
- Initial components of computer architecture have been built
- Transistors can be wired together like electronic circuits
- Potential future use in environmental sensing applications
Interesting facts
- The bacteria used, Pantoea agglomerans, commonly grows on plant surfaces.
- The researchers aim to cover plants with these circuits for real-time environmental monitoring.
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