Chemical actuation expands the design space of living light materials

Chemical stimulation represents a new strategy for controlling bioluminescence in engineered living materials (ELMs). Brachi et al. demonstrate that embedding the naturally bioluminescent dinoflagellate Pyrocystis lunula within 3D-printed hydrogels enables sustained, reusable optical responses through chemical and mechanical activation. This work expands the design strategies available for optically ELMs.