Towards an artificial cell

► We review recent advances in the development of artificial cells. ► Synthetic gene circuits will enable signaling and control systems within artificial membranes. ► We discuss the constructing of vesicle membranes using recombinant biotechnology. ► We highlight studies in which catalysis, compartm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:FEBS letters 2012-08, Vol.586 (18), p.2882-2890
Main Authors: Hammer, Daniel A., Kamat, Neha P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Artificial Cells
Bilayer membrane
Genetic Engineering
Phospholipids - metabolism
Protocell
Surface-Active Agents - metabolism
Vesicle
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Summary:► We review recent advances in the development of artificial cells. ► Synthetic gene circuits will enable signaling and control systems within artificial membranes. ► We discuss the constructing of vesicle membranes using recombinant biotechnology. ► We highlight studies in which catalysis, compartmentalization, and adhesion is conducted. ► We discuss recent work conducted to create regenerating membranes. We are on the verge of producing “synthetic cells,” or protocells, in which some, many or all of the tasks of a real biological cell are harnessed into a synthetic platform. Such advances are made possible through genetic engineering, microfabrication technologies, and the development of cellular membranes from new surfactants that extend beyond phospholipids in stability and chemical control, and can be used to introduce designer functionality into membranes and cells. We review some of the recent advances in the development of synthetic cells and suggest future exciting directions.
ISSN:0014-5793
1873-3468
DOI:10.1016/j.febslet.2012.07.044