artificialcell

An artificial cell, also referred to as a synthetic or protocell in some contexts, is a cell-like system constructed from non-living materials to mimic one or more basic features of living cells. Artificial cells are designed to have boundary membranes, internal compartments, and biochemical networks capable of processing energy, synthesizing molecules, or responding to stimuli. They are used in research across synthetic biology, biophysics, and origin-of-life studies to understand what is required for cellular life and to explore potential applications.

Most artificial cells are built around a membrane-bound compartment such as lipid vesicles or polymersomes that enclose a controllable reaction milieu. Inside, researchers may implement cell-free transcription-translation systems to produce proteins, or encapsulate metabolic enzymes to carry out reactions. Membranes can be engineered for selective transport, growth, or division, enabling studies of growth and, in some cases, division of artificial compartments. Protocell models aim to demonstrate minimal metabolism, energy usage, and information processing in a controlled setting.

Applications include fundamental studies of membrane biophysics and the origin of life, as well as practical roles in drug delivery, biosensing, and biocatalysis. Artificial cells provide platforms for testing hypotheses about how living cells emerged and how complex cellular functions can arise from simple components.

Challenges remain in achieving robust self-maintenance, reproduction, and evolution, as well as ensuring safety, scalability, and ethical considerations for releasing or using artificial cells in real-world settings.