Artificial cell synthesis using biocatalytic polymerization-induced self-assembly

Abstract

Artificial cells are biomimetic microstructures that mimic functions of natural cells, can be applied as building blocks for molecular systems engineering, and host synthetic biology pathways. Here we report enzymatically synthesized polymer-based artificial cells with the ability to express proteins. Artificial cells were synthesized using biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly, in which myoglobin synthesizes amphiphilic block co-polymers that self-assemble into structures such as micelles, worm-like micelles, polymersomes and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). The GUVs encapsulate cargo during the polymerization, including enzymes, nanoparticles, microparticles, plasmids and cell lysate. The resulting artificial cells act as microreactors for enzymatic reactions and for osteoblast-inspired biomineralization. Moreover, they can express proteins such as a fluorescent protein and actin when fed with amino acids. Actin polymerizes in the vesicles and alters the artificial cells’ internal structure by creating internal compartments. Thus, biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly-derived GUVs can mimic bacteria as they are composed of a microscopic reaction compartment that contains genetic information for protein expression upon induction.

Organoids, Biocybersecurity, and Cyberbiosecurity—A Light Exploration

“…Numerous breakthroughs were necessary to make much of organoid development and the possibility of integrating them into hybrid systems possible. The core of this can be broken down into sourcing the cells that make up the organoid, sourcing components for and building the material of the matrix in which these organoids develop, and the equipment that allows for their maintenance, observation, and efficient data extraction [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]. Examples include advances in 3D culture techniques, directing of stem cell differentiation, development of bioengineering tools and assays, bioprinting, deployment of microfluidic devices, and artificial matrices to emulate tumor environments effectively in the development of tumoroids [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][1...…”

“…Its applications extend to drug discovery, aiding in simulating molecular interactions and personalizing the approach of biological computing, cells' natural processes, and components. Organoids can offer a complex system where researchers can potentially program cellular interactions for data processing, leading to the development of medicine by analyzing genetic information to tailor treatments [16,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. With the advent of AI, the process of integrating organoids with AI and machine learning can be better accomplished through real-time data collection and continuous feedback loops, allowing for immediate adjustments and more precise control of biological processes.…”

Phospholipid Membranes as Chemically and Functionally Tunable Materials

“…For example, the recent study by Belluati et al should be mentioned here. [110] They succeeded in the enzymatic synthesis of such polymers that self-assembled into polymersomes and GUVs, which in turn were active as microreactors. Internal compartments were also formed in these artificial cells.…”

Self-decorating cells via surface-initiated enzymatic controlled radical polymerization

“…21 †). ALP too made the decorated cells produce o-nitrophenol; furthermore, the enzyme was able to induce the precipitation of calcium phosphate by cleaving the substrate calcium glycerophosphate, 39 resulting in mineral clusters depositing around the cells, thus creating a novel mechanism for biomineralization mediated by S. cerevisiae (ESI Fig. 23b †).…”

“…ATRP and RAFT polymerizations can also be catalysed and initiated by enzymes such as HRP, hemoglobin, or laccases. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] As enzymes can be produced by the cells themselves, bioATRP and bioRAFT polymerizations should be ideally suited to grow polymers on cell surfaces and, therefore, engineer the surface with enzymatically synthesized non-natural polymers.…”