Work

Multi-compartment encapsulation of communicating droplets and droplet networks in hydrogel as a model for artificial cells

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Constructing a cell mimic is a major challenge posed by synthetic biologists. Efforts to this end have been primarily focused on lipid- and polymer-encapsulated containers, liposomes and polymersomes, respectively. Here, we introduce a multi-compartment, nested system comprising aqueous droplets stabilized in an oil/lipid mixture, all encapsulated in hydrogel. Functional capabilities (electrical and chemical communication) were imparted by protein nanopores spanning the lipid bilayer formed at the interface of the encapsulated aqueous droplets and the encasing hydrogel. Crucially, the compartmentalization enabled the formation of two adjoining lipid bilayers in a controlled manner, a requirement for the realization of a functional protocell or prototissue.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/srep45167

Authors: Mariam Bayoumi, Hagan Bayley, Giovanni Maglia, K. Tanuj Sapra

Institutions: KU Leuven, University of Oxford, University of Groningen, University of Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690

Funder: University of Oxford