Living Patches: Could Tea-Inspired Materials Treat Eczema?

• Researchers are developing "living" wearable patches inspired by the fermentation process of kombucha to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema).
• The patches use engineered living yeast cells within a bacterial cellulose matrix to detect and treat eczema flare-ups.
• NextSkins initiative, funded by the EU, aims to create sustainable, "living" materials that can sense, respond, or self-heal.

The Living Eczema Patch

• Current eczema treatments are broad topical ointments that can disrupt the skin's natural microbiome.
• The new prototype is a three-layer patch:
  • Bottom layer: Detects enzymes released by harmful bacteria during a flare-up.
  • Central layer: Contains engineered yeast cells that release therapeutic molecules upon sensing "bad" bacteria.
  • Outer layer: Protects the patch and prevents it from drying out.
• By targeting only harmful microbes, the patch aims to maintain skin health without collateral damage to beneficial microorganisms.

Kombucha-Inspired Materials

• The team uses bacterial cellulose, a jelly-like byproduct of kombucha fermentation, as the base material.
• Two types of materials are under development:
  • Therapeutic patches: Use living yeast cells and require moisture.
  • Protective composites: Use dormant Bacillus bacteria that can be activated to provide self-healing properties for objects like helmets or phone cases.

Research Status and Future

• The project, running until 2027, is currently overcoming challenges in getting microorganisms to self-organize into complex, layered structures.
• Researchers are exploring 3D printing to complement self-growth methods for better shape control.
• The team is currently working on a proof-of-concept for testing on skin models.
• Long-term goals include using engineered living materials (ELMs) as sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to traditional materials like wood or plastic.