Energy and Reducing Power Regeneration Systems for Artificial Cells and Their Applications

Living cells rely on high-energy molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) to drive complex metabolic networks. These energy and reducing-power substances are also essential for artificial cells to carry out their functions. This article summarizes the recent progress in the regeneration of ATP, NAD(P)H, and both of them within artificial cells. In terms of ATP regeneration, sustained ATP production is realized through the construction of artificial organelles mimicking photophosphorylation with light-driven systems and the reconstitution of the oxidative respiratory electron transport chain to mimic oxidative phosphorylation. The generated ATP is employed to drive artificial cell deformation, transcription-translation, metabolism, and other functions. Regarding NAD(P)H regeneration, enzymatic and photocatalytic methods successfully enable its regeneration, providing reducing power for artificial cells and participating in the metabolism of amino acids, phospholipids, and other substances within artificial cells. The simultaneous and synergistic regeneration of both ATP and NAD(P)H in artificial cells can drive more complex metabolic reactions and endow artificial cells with more sophisticated functions. We identify the current limitations of each regeneration system and offer corresponding potential solutions for improvement, laying the foundation for the construction of sustainable artificial cells.