Development of Artificial Cell Models Using Microfluidic Technology and Synthetic Biology

Abstract

Giant lipid vesicles or liposomes are primarily composed of phospholipids and form a lipid bilayer structurally similar to that of the cell membrane. These vesicles, like living cells, are 5–100 μm in diameter and can be easily observed using an optical microscope. As their biophysical and biochemical properties are similar to those of the cell membrane, they serve as model cell membranes for the investigation of the biophysical or biochemical properties of the lipid bilayer, as well as its dynamics and structure. Investigation of membrane protein functions and enzyme reactions has revealed the presence of soluble or membrane proteins integrated in the giant lipid vesicles. Recent developments in microfluidic technologies and synthetic biology have enabled the development of well-defined artificial cell models with complex reactions based on the giant lipid vesicles. In this review, using microfluidics, the formations of giant lipid vesicles with asymmetric lipid membranes or complex structures have been described. Subsequently, the roles of these biomaterials in the creation of artificial cell models including nanopores, ion channels, and other membrane and soluble proteins have been discussed. Finally, the complex biological functions of giant lipid vesicles reconstituted with various types of biomolecules has been communicated. These complex artificial cell models contribute to the production of minimal cells or protocells for generating valuable or rare biomolecules and communicating between living cells and artificial cell models.

Investigation of Fusion between Nanosized Lipid Vesicles and a Lipid Monolayer Toward Formation of Giant Lipid Vesicles with Various Kinds of Biomolecules

“…The LUV fusion method will be useful to form lipid vesicles containing lipids with poor solubility in n -decane, containing various types of membrane proteins. Therefore, this LUV fusion approach will provide a way for the efficient reconstitution and detection of ion channels on a planar lipid bilayer, as well as the formation of asymmetric lipid vesicles and membrane protein-reconstituted lipid vesicles to create biosensors and artificial cell models [ 28 ].…”

Therapeutic Nanobodies Targeting Cell Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins: A High-Risk/High-Gain Endeavor

“…Traditional cell plasma membrane models, like micelles, bicelles and liposomes, are a common source for expressing cell plasma membrane proteins [ 91 ]. However, these cell plasma membrane models face limitations imposed by the employed detergents, causing the structure and function of cell plasma membrane proteins to alter [ 92 ].…”

Characterizing the Structure and Interactions of Model Lipid Membranes Using Electrophysiology

“…Thus, the membrane is a key element in the life of individual cells as well as in tissue maintenance. Investigating its properties and dynamic behavior opens doors for advancements in pharmaceuticals [ 9 , 10 ], synthetic biology [ 11 , 12 ], and bioinspired materials [ 13 , 14 ].…”