From protocells to prototissues: a materials chemistry approach

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Synthetic Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Prototissues are defined as free-standing 3D networks of interconnected protocell consortia.
• These structures exhibit communication and synergistic functions, moving beyond simple mimicry of living tissues.
• They can be engineered from functional molecules and materials for tailored properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the design and synthetic construction of prototissues.
• To discuss current challenges and future prospects in prototissue research.
• To highlight the broad potential applications of prototissues across various scientific and technological domains.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on prototissue design and synthesis.
• Analysis of functional molecules and materials used in prototissue construction.
• Exploration of prototissue capabilities, including extreme condition functionality and metabolic functions.

Main Results:

• Prototissues offer unprecedented opportunities for designing artificial tissue-like architectures.
• Engineered prototissues can exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties.
• They can be endowed with bio-inspired metabolic functions and operate under extreme conditions.

Conclusions:

• Prototissue research is a rapidly emerging field with significant potential.
• Future applications span biomedical science, environmental science, and soft robotics.
• Continued advancements in synthetic construction will drive innovation in functional tissue-like materials.