ARTIFICIAL CELLS

The goal of our multidisciplinary university research initiative (MURI) is to combine biological elements (ribosomes, DNA, RNA, and proteins) with synthetic materials in order to create hybrid artificial "cells" capable of mimicking the form and function of natural cells but with improved control, stability, and simplicity. Mastering the capabilities of living systems is a scientific grand challenge that could catalyze the discovery, design, and synthesis of new materials. Biomimetic research has long aimed to create artificial cells consisting of minimal biochemical elements yet capable of performing functions with the extraordinary ability of naturally occurring cellular systems. An attractive route is to develop hybrid cells consisting of artificial supramolecular structures fully integrated with biological elements. For this purpose, we have assembled a multi-investigator, interdisciplinary team consisting of chemists, physicists, engineers, and biologists. Our strategy will be to..