The best of the existing
The most advanced artificial cells have been created
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
No biologist will confuse artificial cells created at the University of California at San Diego with real ones. However, they can produce protein, communicate with neighbors, and change behavior depending on chemical signals.
The first stage of creating artificial cells was the synthesis of tiny droplets containing DNA, minerals and acrylate. Ultraviolet radiation and chemical treatment stimulated the formation of a porous acrylate membrane around each drop. At the same time, the minerals and DNA inside it condensed into an analog of the nucleus, reports Science Magazine.
To study how well an artificial cell copes with protein synthesis, scientists have inserted DNA encoding green fluorescent protein (ZFB) into its "core". By adding a mixture of enzymes and ribosomes to the cell, the researchers achieved the synthesis of ZFB. The team then combined cells capable and unable to produce ZFB in one culture.
Two hours later, cells without the ZFB gene received this protein from neighbors, which indicates the ability of artificial cells to communicate.
In addition, synthetic cells have a sense of quorum — the ability to change behavior depending on the chemical properties of surrounding cells. Scientists planted several cells in the culture that produce a protein that activates the synthesis of ZFB. With a small cell density, none of them began to synthesize ZFB, but when the threshold density was reached, all of them lit up green.
According to scientists, artificial cells can find many applications in various fields. For example, they can be used to deliver drugs or identify biomarkers of diseases, including cancer.
Also, large arrays of artificial cells will become the basis for smart tissues and materials that are sensitive to the environment.
In the course of further research, the team intends to teach artificial cells to grow and divide. In addition, it is necessary to ensure their compatibility with living cells.
One of the possible applications of artificial cells is the fight against antibiotic—resistant bacteria. Simple synthetic cells developed at the University of California, Davis, find bacteria by chemical trace and destroy them. According to scientists, such structures can be directly administered to patients.
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