Shelly Karlin1, Jason C. Harper2, Eric C. Carnes1, Carlee E. Ashley1, DeAnna Lopez3, Cynthia Douthit1, Jennifer Pelowitz4, Darren R. Dunphy5, Susan Brozik5, and C. Jeffrey Brinker1. (1) Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Advanced Materials Laboratory, 1001 University Blvd. SE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87106, (2) Sandia National Labs and the University of New Mexico, Advanced Materials Lab, 1001 University Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87131, (3) Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Advanced Materials Laboratory, 1001 University Blvd. SE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87106, (4) Biochemistry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NY 87106, (5) Sandia National Laboratories, 1001 University Blvd. SE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87106
We have recently demonstrated that various bacterial and eukaryotic cells remain viable for months to years when entrapped in a 3D short-chain phospholipid-silica nanostructured matrix [1]. The cells are not supplied with culture nutrients and they do not reproduce. They do however, participate in forming a unique interface with the host nanomaterial, express genes upon stimulation, can incorporate plamids and subsequently express the encoded gene, and appear viable for months to years post immobilization. This raises fundamental questions as to the physiological state of the entrapped cells. Is the cell machinery still operating (i.e. genes can be expressed) but the cells are “dead?” How do we define “alive?” Is life the ability to form colonies? Is life the ability to express genes or an operating metabolism? In this work we characterize the metabolism of different organisms within lipid/silica templated nanomatrices.