A Universal and Controllable Interface between Synthetic Cells and Living Cell

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