Engineering erythrocytes into synthetic cells using cell-free gene expression
Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells (RBCs), constitute the most abundant cell type in vertebrate mammals. Due to their unique biological and physical attributes, RBCs have been the focus of extensive research in biomedical engineering. Methods have been developed to transform RBCs into adaptable carriers for molecular payloads, thereby extending their functional capabilities beyond…
Erythrocytes, widely recognized as red blood cells (RBCs), are the most abundant cell type in vertebrate mammals. Due to their distinct biological and physical qualities, RBCs have been a primary focus of research in biomedical engineering. Techniques have been devised to convert RBCs into versatile carriers for molecular payloads, thereby enhancing their functional abilities beyond their natural transport and operations.
In parallel with the practical applications of RBCs, cell-free gene expression (CFE) has evolved into a highly adaptable technology that can be combined with various materials. This research explores the potential of leveraging CFE to transform RBCs into hybrid synthetic cells. The process involves encapsulating CFE reactions within RBC ghosts, which allows for the execution of fundamental gene circuits, such as biosensors, and the synthesis of phages from their genomes.
Moreover, the outer membrane of mature RBCs is engineered and functionalized to attach a variety of payloads, including a SARS-CoV-2 antigen recognized by a specific antibody. The compatibility of CFE with RBCs allows for their swift and cost-effective transformation into red blood synthetic cells (RBSCs). These RBSCs hold promising biomedical and biotechnological applications.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
