Introduction | the artificial cells
Communication between cells is an important parameter within nature such as quorum sensing in bacteria. Quorum sensing is the regulation of gene expression in response to fluctuations in cell-population density. In order to better understand how population density can influence chemical responses within cells, scientist can employ artificial cells. Artificial cells such as giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) composed of simple phospholipids 1 – 30 um in size can be employed as a model system with high degree of control over components which are incorporated within the cytosol.
Figure 1. Scheme of model cell system with pH responsive behavior. Model cells are encapsulated with urease enzyme and pH responsive DNA photo switched. Once model cells are exposed to urea, urease enzyme catalysis to release ammonia. The release of ammonia causes a n increase in pH.
We have a model system which displays population density chemical response. Within our system, urease enzyme and DNA switches are encapsulated within GUVs. When these cells are exposed to urea, the small molecule can cross the lipid membrane to react with ureases to cause a change pH. This change in pH induces a change in DNA photo-switches, resulting in wavelength emission from 670 nm to 570 nm (Figure 1).
Project | sorting artificial cells in microchannels
Our recent work has shown that the change in DNA switch is depended on population of cells (Figure 2A). In order to correctly characterize the potential of this systems, we require a systematic investigation of various population conditions such as; population to population cross communication and cell to cell communication (Figure 2B). Therefore, we require to design microfluidic devices which are capable to capturing these artificial cells at a certain population density which can then be exposed to urea and monitored over time.
Figure 2. A) Preliminary data of artificial cells encapsulated with urease and pH responsive DNA photo switched population density dependency. Cy5 corresponding to system prior to urea exposure and Cy3 after exposure. B) Scheme of req uired population to population cross communication and cell to cell communication of model system.
Collaboration | In this project, we collaborate with Prof. Ilja Voets at Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Department.
Goal | milestones and achievements
The goals of this project are:
- To develop a microfluidic chip for sorting of artificial cells.
- Test the platform with GUV sorting.
References
- Magana, J. R., Gumí‐Audenis, B., Tas, R. P., Gascoigne, L., Atkins, D. L., & Voets, I. K. (2020). Bioinspired Scaffolding by Supramolecular Amines Allows the Formation of One‐and Two‐Dimensional Silica Superstructures. Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany), 26(66), 15330.