Biomimetic Cell Structures: Probing Induced pH-Feedback Loops and pH Self-Monitoring in Cytosol Using Binary...

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Protocell research
• Biomimetic systems

Background:

• Eukaryotic cell structures and functions can be mimicked by giant multicompartment protocells.
• Artificial organelles offer stimuli-triggered regulation for advanced protocell design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a polymersome-in-proteinosome system for probing biomimetic pH homeostasis.
• To develop protocells with input-regulated pH changes and self-monitoring capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of glucose oxidase-loaded polymersomes A (GOx-Psomes A) and urease-loaded polymersomes B (Urease-Psomes B) into proteinosomes via Pickering emulsion.
• Utilizing pH-responsive membranes for polymersomes A and B.
• Incorporation of a pH-sensor (Dextran-FITC) for lumen pH monitoring.

Main Results:

• A polymersomes-in-proteinosome system capable of probing biomimetic pH homeostasis was constructed.
• Alternating fuels (glucose or urea) induced pH feedback loops (pH jump and pH drop) via chemical signal production.
• The system exhibited input-regulated pH changes and cytosolic pH self-monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The developed heterogeneous protocell architecture demonstrates sophisticated features for advanced protocell design.
• This approach enables input-regulated pH changes mediated by feedback loops and self-monitoring.
• The study highlights the potential of multicompartment protocells for mimicking cellular functions and maintaining homeostasis.