Developing Controllable Synthetic Cells

Synthetic cells, lipid membrane-bound compartments that mimic living cells, are a promising technology for studying living systems and as drug delivery vehicles. However, real-world application of synthetic cells requires methods of controlling their function for spatiotemporal activation and to reduce off-target effects. My group are developing methods to externally control these soft biomaterials with multiple stimuli, including light, temperature, and chemical signals. We are using our ‘remote-controlled’ synthetic cells to mimic living processes and form controllable interfaces between living and non-living materials. Current advances include the development of a dual light-activated cell-free AND gate and the light-activated communication between synthetic cells and bacteria.