The Engineering of Artificial Cellular Systems using Synthetic Biology Approaches

Abstract

Artificial cellular systems are minimal systems that mimic certain properties of natural cells, including signaling pathways, membranes, and metabolic pathways. These artificial cells (or protocells) can be constructed following synthetic biology approaches by assembling biomembranes (the shell), synthetic gene circuits (the information), and cell-free expression systems (the engine). Specifically, we created new synthetic molecular systems to control genetic circuits of artificial cells. We also implemented a synthetic bacterial consortium for the synthesis of cell-free systems. Furthermore, we designed and tested a novel microfluidic platform for making uniform artificial cells. Since artificial cells are built from bottom-up using minimal and a defined number of components, they are more amenable to predictive mathematical modeling and engineered controls when compared to natural cells. Along this line, we will discuss the applications of artificial cells as drug delivery and in situ protein expression systems. Furthermore, we will discuss potential applications of artificial cells as biomimetic systems to unveil new insights into functions of natural cells, which are otherwise difficult to investigate due to their inherent complexity. It is our vision that the development of artificial cells will bring forth parallel advancements in synthetic biology, cell-free systems, and in vitro systems biology.