Cell-sized mechanosensitive and biosensing compartment programmed with DNA

Abstract

The bottom-up construction of cell-sized compartments programmed with DNA that are capable of sensing the chemical and physical environment remains challenging in synthetic cell engineering. Here, we construct mechanosensitive liposomes with biosensing capability by expressing the E. coli channel MscL and a calcium biosensor using cell-free expression.

Bottom-up synthetic biology: modular design for making artificial platelets

“…Another work demonstrated the use of a diblock copolymer to preferentially steer solvent de-wetting in these double emulsions (32). Furthermore, we have functionally reconstituted mechanosensitive channels in lipid bilayer vesicles made by capillary microfluidics (28). With this approach, vesicle sizes, membrane compositions, and encapsulated materials can be readily controlled.…”

“…In principle, shear stress can deform bilayer membrane and increase membrane tension. Functional expression of MscL, by increasing membrane tension due to osmotic pressure, has been demonstrated in a CFE-containing artificial cell system (28). Thus, CFE may be a suitable approach for protein production in artificial platelets.…”

“…Although each module can function independently, how modules can be coupled together without a loss of function is a current challenge as well as opportunity. We have recently demonstrated an artificial cell that senses a mechanical (osmotic pressure) input and a chemical (external calcium) input (28). Coupling environmental sensing with functional actuation is the next frontier.…”

Stabilization of All‐in‐Water Emulsions To Form Capsules as Artificial Cells

“…In this case, aw ater-in-oil emulsion,i nw hich water-soluble ingredients of interest are included, is initially prepareda nd the dropletsa re furthert ransferredi nto water,f orming al ipid bilayer upon crossing the oil/water interface. [6,12,13] In contrast, coacervates, or,m ore generally,a queoust wophase systems (ATPSs), also called all-in-water emulsions (or water in water emulsions), spontaneously sequester biochemicals;t his is ad istinctive property that suggestst heir potential use as protocells. [9][10][11] The advantage of such vesicles is that they bear am embrane that can accommodate membrane proteins to control entry/exitofr eagents.…”

“…[9][10][11] The advantage of such vesicles is that they bear am embrane that can accommodate membrane proteins to control entry/exitofr eagents. [6,12,13] In contrast, coacervates, or,m ore generally,a queoust wophase systems (ATPSs), also called all-in-water emulsions (or water in water emulsions), spontaneously sequester biochemicals;t his is ad istinctive property that suggestst heir potential use as protocells. [14] These systems are attracting growingi nterest in the field of synthetic biology and in materials chemistry.…”