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Mitochondria Encapsulation in Hydrogel-Based Artificial Cells as ATP Producing Subunits
Isabella Nymann Westensee1, Edit Brodszkij1, Xiaomin Qian1
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 10, 2021
Summary
Mitochondria were encapsulated in hydrogels to create artificial cells that generate energy. These artificial cells sustained adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production for 24 hours, showing potential for energy-dependent processes.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Artificial cells (ACs) aim to replicate mammalian cell functions.
- Energy generation is crucial for self-sustained AC systems.
- Mitochondria are key organelles for cellular energy production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize isolated mitochondria for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis within artificial cells.
- To develop self-sustained energy generation in artificial cell systems.
- To investigate the encapsulation of mitochondria and luciferase in hydrogels for functional artificial cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of mitochondria from HepG2 cells.
- Encapsulation of mitochondria in gelatin-based hydrogels.
- Coencapsulation of mitochondria with luciferase in hydrogel particles.
- Assessment of mitochondrial function (membrane potential, respiration, ATP production).
Main Results:
- Isolated mitochondria retained inner membrane potential, respiration, and ATP production capacity.
- Mitochondria in hydrogels showed sustained ATP production over 24 hours.
- Coencapsulated mitochondria and luciferase in hydrogels demonstrated functional artificial cells capable of ATP-driven reactions.
Conclusions:
- Isolated mitochondria can be effectively used in artificial cells for energy generation.
- Gelatin-based hydrogels support sustained mitochondrial function and ATP production.
- Mitochondria hold significant potential for cell mimicry in energy-dependent applications.
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