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Preservation of Complex Multiphase Architectures in Polymer-Based Artificial Cells by Photo-Crosslinking.
Madelief A M Verwiel1, Alexander B Cook1, Yiǧitcan Sümbelli1
1Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5600MB, The Netherlands.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|November 21, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a photo-crosslinking method to stabilize dynamic structures in artificial cells. This technique significantly extends the lifetime of biomolecular condensates, enabling more complex functions.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular engineering
- Artificial cell development
- Supramolecular chemistry
Background:
- Nature uses phase separation for biomolecular condensates, organizing cellular components.
- Mimicking complex multiphase systems in artificial cells is challenging due to transient structures.
- Existing artificial cell structures have limited lifetimes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel strategy for stabilizing transient structures in artificial cells.
- To extend the lifetime of biomolecular condensates using photo-crosslinking.
- To achieve programmable asymmetry in artificial cell structures.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of methacrylate groups into scaffold polymers of coacervate-based artificial cells.
- Application of UV light post-formation of transient structures for photo-crosslinking.
- Spatio-temporal control of UV irradiation for precise structural modification.
Main Results:
- Stabilized structures showed a 5-10 times longer lifetime compared to uncrosslinked controls.
- The photo-crosslinking strategy was effective for both single and multiphase condensates.
- Programmable asymmetry was achieved by controlling irradiation, creating varied structures within condensates.
Conclusions:
- Photo-crosslinking offers a robust method for stabilizing dynamic structures in artificial cells.
- Extended condensate lifetimes facilitate the development of artificial cells with enhanced functionalities.
- This approach paves the way for more advanced and complex artificial cell designs.
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