Artificial cell synthesis using biocatalytic polymerization-induced self-assembly

Artificial cells are biomimetic microstructures that mimic functions of natural cells, can be applied as building blocks for molecular systems engineering, and host synthetic biology pathways. Here we report enzymatically synthesized polymer-based artificial cells with the ability to express proteins. Artificial cells were synthesized using biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly, in which myoglobin synthesizes amphiphilic block co-polymers that self-assemble into structures such as micelles, worm-like micelles, polymersomes and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). The GUVs encapsulate cargo during the polymerization, including enzymes, nanoparticles, microparticles, plasmids and cell lysate. The resulting artificial cells act as microreactors for enzymatic reactions and for osteoblast-inspired biomineralization. Moreover, they can express proteins such as a fluorescent protein and actin when fed with amino acids. Actin polymerizes in the vesicles and alters the artificial cells' internal structure by creating internal compartments. Thus, biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly-derived GUVs can mimic bacteria as they are composed of a microscopic reaction compartment that contains genetic information for protein expression upon induction.

Application of iron-based metal–organic frameworks in catalysis: oxidant-promoted formation of coumarins using Fe3O(BPDC)3 as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst

An iron-based metal–organic framework Fe₃O(BPDC)₃ was used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of coumarins.

Exploring the homogeneous controlled radical polymerisation of hydrophobic monomers in anti-solvents for their polymers: RAFT and ATRP of various alkyl methacrylates in anhydrous methanol to high conversion and low dispersity

RAFT and ATRP of nBuMA, tBuMA and MMA in anhydrous methanol (25–60 °C) without precipitation, yielding polymers with conversion up to 99%, Đ from 1.02 and DP_n ≤ 800 units.