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




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

PublisherElsevier BV

2026

 Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal

33

13

23

2001-0370

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

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

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/508368887



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.


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