RET Teaching Module 28: Natto Cells as Nanoactuators for Origami Based Locomotion

Overview

Students will become familiar with efforts to use biological food-grade spores as the driving force for mechanical locomotion. This module will involve using Bacillus subtilis spores from a commercial natto source and create a bilayer biofilm which would respond to changes in ambient humidity. The response will manifest as a predictable and reversible mechanical deformation in the biofilm. This deformation will then be evidence of proof of concept that such a biofilm can potentially be used as a biological source of power for origami locomotion.

This module could be used in an upper level Physical or Life Science course where the students are proficient at following meticulous details in a lab setting.

After completing this module, student should be able to:

• After completing this activity, students will be able to observe the effect of forces supplied by the swelling and contraction of the peptidoglycan layer (cortex) surrounding a vegetative spore of Bacillis subtilis.
• After completing this lesson, students will be able to understand the summative power of sub-microscopic particles as a motive force, and recognize the advantages of locomotion driven by biological responses.

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Included in this Module:

• Teacher Guide
• Materials List
• Lab Activities and Questions

Samples of the materials

• Teacher Guide and Lab Activities

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