Real-time genetic reprogramming of micron-scale soft matter devices

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One of the defining featured of living cells which underpins their utility in biotechnological applications is their ability to be reprogrammed through genetic modification. This feature has led to the rise of synthetic biology in application areas including biomedicine, sensing, bioproduction, and environmental remediation. Synthetic cells are increasingly being recognised as a powerful alternative to biological cells, due to inherent limitations associated with working with living systems. However, to date, methods to reprogramme synthetic cells are not yet available: further modification of their genetic makeup, once generated, is not possible. As synthetic cells are nearing deployment in real-world settings, this is presenting itself as a bottleneck. In this project we will develop technologies to remedy this. We will explore how new genetic software can be delivered to synthetic cell hardware, which allow them to undergo a process of differentiation. In this way, we will show that the same synthetic cell can be used as a bioreactor, sensor, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and vaccine agent, depending on its context. The project will involve the development and characterisation new microfluidic, biomembrane, and chemical biology tools which will enable the creation of reprogrammable synthetic cell microdevices, based on soft matter materials.