A Universal and Controllable Interface between Synthetic Cells and Living Cell

In this project, we will engineer a method that allows the release of any-sized signal molecule from
synthetic cells. This will be a step change in the use of synthetic cells as research tools and smart
drug delivery devices. Our approach will mimic the communication of neurons in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are held within neurons in small compartments. Release of neurotransmitters at
the synapse is achieved by the fusion of these small compartments to the cell membrane, by forcing
them together. We will generate synthetic cells that contain small compartments. These small
compartments will be able to be filled with any-sized signal molecule. Design-Build-Test cycles will
be used to engineer mechanisms of fusion of the small compartment to the synthetic cell
membrane, like is seen in neurons. By incorporating functional signal molecules within the small
compartments, we will then interface these synthetic cells with neighbouring living cells to control
their function. This fusion will be initiated by using light-activated DNA nanotechnology, which will
allow this universal signalling approach to be remote controlled. This project will be truly
interdisciplinary, employing approaches from chemistry, engineering, biology, physics, and
computation.