A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Biosynthetic optical waveguide interface integration using biomimetic - de novo design ELP for optoelectronic applications




AuthorsSeisto, Anni; Hokkanen, Ari; Damlin, Pia; Pylkkänen, Robert; Kiiveri, Kirsi; Borisova, Anna S.; Kvarnström, Carita; Cheng, Xu; Sun, Zhipei; Nonappa; Mohammadi, Pezhman

PublisherElsevier BV

Publication year2026

Journal: Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal

Volume33

First page 13

Last page23

eISSN2001-0370

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2025.12.009

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2025.12.009

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/508368887

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

The integration of biologically inspired materials into photonic device fabrication offers a promising route toward sustainable and biocompatible alternative to conventional in inorganic or petroleum based synthetic materials used in optoelectronic systems. In this work, we present a biosynthetic approach for waveguide fabrication utilizing a biomimetic - de novo designed elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) formulated into an all-water-based photoresist compatible with two-photon polymerization (2PP). The ELP was genetically engineered and recombinantly produced in microbes for enhanced molecular stability, a critical feature for withstanding both localized and bulk temperature increases that occur during high-intensity laser exposure during printing. The resulting ELP formulation supported direct writing of waveguide architecture without the need for organic solvents, harsh processing steps, or post-functionalization. This aqueous resist formulation exhibits high stability during printing and retains its structural integrity upon curing, making it a promising candidate for environmentally friendly, soft-material photonics. This work establishes a foundation for using biosynthetic polypeptides in the fabrication of functional photonic elements and demonstrates a step toward greener, protein-based optoelectronic manufacturing technologies.


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Funding information in the publication
This work was supported by the Academy of Finland project 348628, and internal funding from the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, Ltd.


Last updated on 21/01/2026 07:24:36 AM