Gene-Expressing Liposomes as Synthetic Cells for Molecular Communication Studies

• Main Authors: Giordano Rampioni, Francesca D'Angelo, Livia Leoni, Pasquale Stano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2019-01-01
• Series: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
• Subjects: synthetic cells; bottom-up synthetic biology; molecular communications; quorum sensing; lipid vesicles (liposomes); cell-free protein synthesis
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00001/full

The bottom-up branch of synthetic biology includes—among others—innovative studies that combine cell-free protein synthesis with liposome technology to generate cell-like systems of minimal complexity, often referred to as synthetic cells. The functions of this type of synthetic cell derive from gene expression, hence they can be programmed in a modular, progressive and customizable manner by means of ad hoc designed genetic circuits. This experimental scenario is rapidly expanding and synthetic cell research already counts numerous successes. Here, we present a review focused on the exchange of chemical signals between liposome-based synthetic cells (operating by gene expression) and biological cells, as well as between two populations of synthetic cells. The review includes a short presentation of the “molecular communication technologies,” briefly discussing their promises and challenges.