Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio-Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bottom-up synthetic biology aims to construct artificial cell-like systems from basic components.
• Interdisciplinary approaches combine chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry for building blocks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in designing and constructing synthetic cells and organelles.
• To showcase synthetic cells with increasing complexity and strategies to overcome challenges.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing tools from chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry.
• Developing functional and structural building blocks for synthetic cell construction.
• Engineering synthetic cells and organelles to mimic natural cell functions.

Main Results:

• Engineered synthetic cells demonstrate functions such as ATP synthesis, metabolic reactions, gene replication, growth, and division.
• Diverse strategies and materials have been developed for creating sophisticated synthetic cells.
• Representative examples of synthetic cells with varying complexity are presented.

Conclusions:

• The bottom-up approach in synthetic biology has enabled the creation of functional synthetic cells and organelles.
• Ongoing research focuses on enhancing the complexity and capabilities of engineered cell-like systems.
• This review highlights key developments and challenges in the field of bottom-up synthetic cell construction.