An electro-optical device from a biofilm structure created by bacterial activity

Abstract

A reversible electro-optical light switching device is prepared by the combination of a biofilm created by a bacterial cell culture and its combination with a liquid crystal (LC). The macroporous structure of the biofilms, where the LC molecules are allocated, produces the required tridimensional orientational arrangement of the LC molecules that results in an opaque device. Upon application of a minor electric field, the LC molecules are reoriented and the device becomes transparent.