Membraneless Multi-Compartmentalization in Synthetic Cells

Compartmentalization is essential to life and is evident from the highly organized cellular interior. While designing synthetic cells, artificial entities emulating cell-like characteristics, the same principle holds true. So far, a modular and scalable strategy to multi-compartmentalize synthetic cells has not been experimentally realized. This proposal aims to endow membranous vesicles with a desired number of distinct, functional membraneless organelles. We will first synthesize a polypeptide library capable of forming phase-separated droplets. Using microfluidics, we will encapsulate the mixture inside liposomes and trigger the formation of multiple organelles. Our approach will add the desired functionality and complexity to artificial cells.