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Engineering of Biocompatible Coacervate-Based Synthetic Cells
Marleen H M E van Stevendaal1, Laurynas Vasiukas1, N Amy Yewdall2
1Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P. O. Box 513 (STO 3.41), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 15, 2021
Summary
Preventing free polycation and membrane polymers in synthetic cells ensures RAW264.7 cell viability. This research provides design rules for biocompatible coacervate-based particles for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Synthetic Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polymer-stabilized complex coacervate microdroplets are advanced platforms for synthetic cell research.
- Their core-shell structure facilitates macromolecule sequestration and release via a semipermeable membrane.
- Biocompatibility is crucial for their application in biomedical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of synthetic cell structure and formulation on cell viability.
- To identify key components affecting biocompatibility with different cell lines.
- To establish design principles for safe coacervate-based synthetic cells.
Main Methods:
- Coculturing coacervate-based synthetic cells with RAW264.7 cells.
- Analyzing the structure-toxicity relationship of synthetic cell components.
- Modifying formulations to prevent detrimental effects on cell viability.
Main Results:
- The presence of free polycation and membrane-forming polymer negatively impacts cell viability.
- Specific formulation conditions were identified to ensure no detrimental effects on RAW264.7 cells during coculture.
- A structure-toxicity relationship was established for coacervate-based synthetic cells.
Conclusions:
- Optimized coacervate-based synthetic cells demonstrate biocompatibility with RAW264.7 cells.
- Preventing free polycation and membrane polymers is essential for cell viability.
- This study provides critical design rules for developing next-generation coacervate-based biomedical particles.
