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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Signal processing and generation of bioactive nitric oxide in a model prototissue
Songyang Liu1, Yanwen Zhang1, Xiaoxiao He1
1State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China.
Researchers created synthetic prototissues from artificial protocells. This novel vessel modulates nitric oxide (NO) output for potential anticoagulation applications, showcasing advancements in bioengineering.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Bioengineering
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Constructing synthetic prototissues from artificial protocells presents a significant challenge in synthetic biology and bioengineering.
- Artificial protocells offer a modular platform for creating complex biological structures and functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and construct a synthetic prototissue-like vessel using assembled artificial protocells.
- To demonstrate the vessel's capability in modulating bioactive nitric oxide (NO) output.
- To explore the potential of this prototissue for anticoagulation applications.
Main Methods:
- Spatially segregating enzyme-decorated phospholipid-enveloped polymer/DNA coacervate protocells within hydrogel modules.
- Arranging different modules concentrically to create a tubular structure.
- Utilizing a glucose/hydroxyurea dual input for logic-gate signal processing and NO production.
Main Results:
- A tubular prototissue-like vessel was successfully constructed, capable of modulating nitric oxide (NO) output.
- Logic-gate signal processing was achieved through reaction-diffusion dynamics within the concentric modules.
- The NO output effectively inhibited platelet activation and blood clot formation in plasma and whole blood.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a proof-of-concept for synthetic prototissue vessels with controllable biochemical outputs.
- This work highlights opportunities for developing spatially organized synthetic tissues from artificial protocell assemblies.
- The findings represent a step towards organizing biochemical processes in micro-compartmentalized media, micro-reactors, and soft functional materials.
